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Reluctant Turks prepare for smoking ban

For decades the tobacco haze filling Turkey’s bars, restaurants and workplaces has been as much a feature of the country’s cultural landscape as the stunning architecture of its mosques and historical buildings.

But now Turkey’s image as a land of hardened smokers appears doomed to obsolescence as it prepares to follow the international fashion for blanket public smoking bans. A prohibition on smoking with effect from Monday is certain to be a profound culture shock for millions of Turks used to lighting up with impunity regardless of the setting.

Smoking will be banned in enclosed public spaces and buildings, including government facilities, sporting venues, shopping malls and public transport. Hotels will be required to designate rooms and areas for smokers.

Premises that allow patrons to smoke could face fines of up to the equivalent of $200,000. The penalty for individual smokers will be $50.

Around 25 million out of Turkey’s population of 70 million smoke, including 60 per cent of adult men and 11.7 per cent of children. The country consumed an estimated 115 billion cigarettes last year.

To give Turks time to get used to the idea the law will not be enforced for cafes, bars and restaurants until July next year.

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