Under the new law, Norwegians will be only be allowed to smoke in private homes or outside. The dramatic move from the Government has caused a stir in Norway, with many smokers protesting the ban. Others, however, see the new law as a victory.
In an open letter to Norwegians, former Prime Minister and the newly retired head of the World Health Organization, Gro Harlem Brundtland argues that the law agaist public smoking is a great step in the right direction.
"I think many guests and employees of restaurants and bars will, in retrospect, be thankful that they are able to eat, drink and work in a smokefree environment," she writes.
"Milestone"
Norway's Minister of Health Dagfinn Høybråten has worked hard to implement the new law. In a comment on June 1, he called the ban a "milestone in the fight against the damages caused by tobacco.
"The main purpose of the legislation is to protect employees, as well as guests, from passive smoking. Up to 200.000 persons with allergy or asthma will no longer be excluded from restaurants, bars and the like," he added.
To Reuters, the Health Minister noted that he hoped "this will inspire other nations to follow suit."
Sweden and New Zealand have already passed similar laws, while several countries are discussing the possibility. Among the nations that may soon implement a ban on public smoking is the United Kingdom.
Ireland was on March 29 the first country to introduce a nationwide anti-smoking law, although several U.S. states and cities introduced similar legislation several years ago.
Dangerous habit
The World Health Organisation says tobacco kills 4.9 million people worldwide every year, or one every 6.5 seconds.
According to the Norwegian Ministry of Health, 350 to 550 non-smokers die every year in Norway as a result of passive smoking. 120 000 patients with asthmatic disorders have been partially unable to visit restaurants where smoking is allowed.
Research has shown that waiters and barkeepers have a significant higher risk of acquiring lung cancer than other groups of employees.
An American study has also shown that already after four weeks of banning smoking in restaurants in California, the health of the employees had improved.
"Reduction of tobacco consumption is therefore a challenge that I give high priority in my capacity as a Minister of Health," said Mr. Høybråten.