Ukraine bans smoking in public areas during Euro 2012

PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukraine's parliament on Tuesday, March 13 voted to ban smoking in public areas such as bars and restaurants as the former Soviet republic prepares to host the Euro 2012 football championship.

Under the law approved by parliament in the first reading, owners of eateries face fines of up to 10,000 hryvnias ($1,250) for allowing smoking on their premises unless they set up special, ventilated smoking rooms.

About 29 percent of adult Ukrainians smoke, according to the 2010 Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Until now, bars and restaurants were only required to have smoke-free areas.

Ukraine, together with Poland, will host the Euro 2012 football championship this year, an event that the government hopes will improve its image and boost tourism, Reuters reported.