The Swiss Pulmonary League has slammed the cabinet’s announcement yesterday on terms of the nationwide smoking ban, which will come into effect on May 1 next year. The ruling has, however, been broadly welcomed by the hotel and restaurant industry.

The Pulmonary League has accused the government of ‘bending over backwards’ to accommodate the tobacco industry’s lobbies, saying the law, as discussed in parliament, has been woefully watered down.

On the other hand, representatives of the hotel and restaurant sector say they’re relieved that the cabinet has steered the legislation ‘more or less back on the right track’.

Yesterday the cabinet confirmed the terms of the new law to ban smoking, together with its exceptions. Bars and restaurants under 80 square metres can declare themselves smoking establishments, and smoking areas are permitted as long as they’re clearly marked, separate, and properly ventilated.

Staff in bars and restaurants can work in smoking areas, as long as they’re willing to.

The federal law lays down the minimum requirements. Cantons can introduce stricter rules if they so choose, as 15 have already done.