Estonia, Legislation, Markets and Companies, Real Estate

Already since the summer of 2007, it is forbidden to light a cigarette in bars and cafes in Estonia; as of the year 2017, smoking areas will have to disappear from buildings. The next step of that prohibition – complete ban on smoking rooms – is in the plans of the legislator, although a specific year has not been mentioned for this.

A smoking area differs from smoking room in that a smoking area is not limited by walls but has local ventilation.

"Ventilation systems, separate smoking rooms and partial restrictions do not provide people with protection from tobacco smoke in the environment," the draft states, and adds that it is almost impossible to guarantee that the smoke does not spread to other areas from the smoking area. The World Health Organization WHO recommends, however, prohibiting smoking everywhere.

When the Health Board inspected smoking rooms and areas in culture institutions, around two thirds of them corresponded to requirements. As it is noted that even with powerful ventilation, around a tenth of smoke is spread to neighbouring rooms, the bill as well as the tobacco policy green paper have a proposal to ban smoking rooms altogether.

The second important issue of the bill is reducing the attractiveness of tobacco products. Starting 20 May next year, cigarette packs will have on them picture warnings covering more than a half of the pack, which depict serious cases of diseases and the death of loved ones. Also, tobacco products with added scent and flavour will be prohibited next year.