Austria cancels the prohibition of tobacco: smokers are happy, the doctors in horror
Many Western countries have banned Smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places, however, Austria decided to act contrary to the General trend.
In the context of the 2015 year of the law in may in Austria was to ban Smoking in public places, however, the new government formed by the conservative people’s party and the right wing of the freedom Party, refused these plans.
The initiator of the cancellation was the leader of the freedom Party, Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian strache, said in January in Parliament that the Smoking ban limits freedom of choice of citizens.
Restaurants, said strache, should have the freedom to choose whether they want a Smoking room, where the citizen decides whether he wants coffee to enjoy a cigarette, pipe or cigar.
The decision about the lifting of the ban has resulted in confusion in the Austrian medical community. Dr. Manfred Noyberger, a retired Professor of the Vienna medical University considers the lifting of the ban a disaster for health.
“This decision is irresponsible. This is a victory for the tobacco companies. The new government has turned Austria into an ashtray for the whole of Europe,” he said.
According to Neuburger, Austria shamefully high rate of smokers among young people, especially in comparison with other rich countries.
The study by the Organization for economic cooperation and development, held in 26 countries in 2013 year showed that in Austria the highest share of smokers among 15-year-olds. Such a situation Austria has consistently ranked since 1994.
The Vienna medical chamber and the Austrian center of care for cancer patients stated that they did not understand why the government wants to take a step back and allow Smoking.
“We know that Smoking causes acute cardiovascular diseases and cancer. We also know that in countries where Smoking is not permitted in bars and restaurants, employees are protected, and the population generally more healthy”, — said there.
Many well-known cafes in Vienna have already banned Smoking — partly in anticipation of the planned ban, partly because of the tourists.
But in the rest of Smoking is still possible.