Despite the ban, in cafes in FBiH smokes as before

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Although at the end of last year, the ban on smoking in catering facilities in the Federation entered into force, in most of these facilities, it smokes as before. Differences are almost out of no exception of a few exceptions. Many catering facilities that, according to the law, should separate the space for smokers, they did not do so as prescribed. Namely, they often did not physically separate smoking zones, did not adhere to surface restrictions (a maximum of 20 percent) or have introduced appropriate ventilation.

You can spot these irregularities if you visit several cafes or restaurants. The reason for this is simple – no fines started. According to the new law, smoking is prohibited in all closed public areas, and the mid-last year was adopted by the Rulebook that prescribes exceptions for catering facilities.

The deadline for adjusting the Rulebook expired on 13. December 2024. year, when the media reported that smoking in cafes was finally prohibited. However, it was not the end because another period of six months left.

During this six-month period, inspectors will visit the facilities and warn the owners who did not match their spaces with the Ordinance. Financies will begin only from 13. June 2025. Years. Although it is not clear why an additional period of six months for “warning” is obviously that the owners of catering facilities have no reason for concern until the real sanctions start.

And when punishments start arriving, smoking could still be present in many cafes. Namely, the Ordinance allows owners of the facilities of less than 50 m2, which serve only a drink to determine the whole space as a smoking, which includes a large number of cafes.

Source: Black Chronicle