by InTrieste
Smoking could soon be banned in Italy’s outdoor bar areas and at bus stops, according to the contents of a draft bill published by Italian newspaper La Stampa last Sunday.
The proposed crackdown on smoking by the health ministry would cover e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as well as regular cigarettes.
In addition to outdoor bars, the ban would be extended to parks if in the presence of pregnant women and children, La Stampa reports.
The proposed move, which comes after health minister Orazio Schillaci promised in January to clamp down on smoking and vaping outdoors, was met with criticism by several figures in the right-wing government.
Smoking in Italy has been banned in public places including bars, restaurants, night clubs and offices since 2005.
