From January 1, smoking outdoors will be banned in the Italian city of Milan… unless you are more than 10 meters from another person. Fines of up to 240 euros are planned. Is such a measure possible for us?
In a few days, Milanese people will no longer be able to smoke in public places. A measure perceived as too radical by some. “It seems to me that an intermediate solution can be found, such as making smokers aware of the need to respect common well-being.“, said a passerby.”Ban, I think it’s a waste of time“.
No more smoking at bus stops, unless you are 10 meters from other users. No more cigarettes in gathering places, especially Christmas markets. Would such a ban be accepted by the Belgian population? “I think it’s a good idea, at least it prevents bad odors from getting in your face, etc. But why not put reserved places, perhaps, where they can smoke, so as not to annoy everyone?“, suggests a passer-by interviewed.
“People don’t respect it very much and I think it’s going to be complicated to respect the rule. To every smoker, I want to say to be careful of the people around you, but banning is too radical“, tempers another person.
For their part, traders think that this could negatively impact their turnover. “JHe thinks it’s a bad idea, since they already have a ban on smoking in restaurants, they still have public places. Customers who want to be on a terrace smoking a cigarette while having a good drink, they are forbidden, they leave“, estimates an unconvinced trader.
As for the 10 meter rule, Alexandra is skeptical. “So we go for a walk saying “be careful, we get 10 meters away, we can smoke a cigarette” ?
For the moment, there is no question of a total ban in Belgium. But from January 1, packages can no longer be displayed in full view in stores. Smoking will be prohibited near sports fields, when leaving hospitals or even schools.
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