Smoking ban comes into effect

New regulations extending the smoking ban in enclosed public places came into effect yesterday. The new law, which passed by Parliament in January, prohibits smoking in all indoor areas, including government offices, workplaces, shopping malls, schools, stadiums, hospitals, restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes and hotels. Cafes and restaurants � except for those located in shopping malls � will benefit from a transition period with a total ban coming into force for them July 19, 2009. The law calls for a fine of YTL 50 for people who light up in a smoke free area.