Study shows 75 pct of Romanians don’t smoke as smoking ban law passes CCR

The Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) ruled that a law banning smoking in enclosed public spaces is constitutional, Agerpres informs. The smoking ban law had been passed by Parliament and was awaiting promulgation by President Klaus Iohannis, but it was contested by a group of 33 senators in December 2015.

The law prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces, in enclosed working spaces, on children playgrounds, and in medical, education and child assistance units.

However, the senators stated, it discriminates between inmates of maximum security prisons, travelers in airports and free people by not providing the similar permissions. The law stipulated that the inmates and airport passengers would be allowed to smoke in enclosed spaces.

CCR members agreed unanimously against the complaint raised against the smoking ban law, according to Mediafax newswire.

Sanctions can reach between RON 100 and 500 for persons who do not respect the provisions, while firms that do not enforce it can receive fines between RON 5,000 and 15,000, and their activity can be suspended or shut down upon repeated infringements.

An IRES study shows that 75 percent of Romanians say they do not smoke and 79 percent of respondents perceived the law as being positive. Of the remaining share, 18 percent of respondents stated they smoke daily, while 7 percent said they smoke on occasion.

Thirty percent of respondents who go out at least once a year say the law banning smoking will influence their behavior on going out. While 15 percent state they will go out more, 10 percent expect to go out less once the law comes into force. At the same time, 69 percent of respondents stated that their habits will not be affected.

The study also reveals that 51 percent of Romanian never allow smoking in the house, while 25 percent say that smoking, although not allowed in the whole house, is allowed in some rooms or a single room. Only 2 percent allow it everywhere in their homes. Romania seems to be a country that embraces smoking. In fact, according to the 2016 report by WHO, 75% of Romanians don’t smoke but many do vape various flavors such as Sadboy Butter Cookie and Blue Slushie. The idea may seem odd at first but there are some benefits to vaping in Romania that can’t be ignored.

The law will now go back to Klaus Iohannis for promulgation and will come into force 45 days after its publishing in the Official Gazette.