After just returning from my 13th European trip, I am amazed at the change in attitude about smoking. We expected, like on previous trips, to be choked by smokers at restaurants, by smoky rooms, and by smokers everywhere in trains with conductors smoking in non-smoking cars. But it was wonderful! The air was breathable and clean. Smoking was as rare as one sees here. What a change!
Posted by
San Jose, CA, USA
424 posts
John, I agree. I was pleasantly surprised myself. Still many smokers, on streets, outdoor cafes, but in confined spaces - not a problem. It was wonderful for those of us who have alergic reactions.
Posted by
Bothell, WA, USA
206 posts
Being allergic to smoke, I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear this! What countries did you travel to?
Posted by
Scotland
505 posts
Greetings
Smoking in public places is now banned in Ireland and all
of the United Kingdom. Denmark has a ban for most places, though some smaller bars and restaurants are excluded.
I think Sweden also has a smoking ban, though not complete, and France has been instituting a ban bit by bit.
I'm pretty sure that smoking is banned on all trains in Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, UK, Germany, France and Switzerland, and very possibly other countries.
There's definitely been a big change in the last five years, and unlike the US, it's whole countries making the change.
Kate
Posted by
OP
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
I just returned from Italy and fully expected that we would be subjected to smoke. I was amazed.
Posted by
Nederland, CO
108 posts
I'm told that ALL hotel rooms in Italy are now non-smoking. I have a hard time believing that could be true true.
Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1895 posts
Just home from Italy. Smoking is only allowed on the sidewalk eating areas of resturants now. If you want a meal without smoke, you have to sit inside, but it's worth it!
We had a non smoking room, and patrons of the hotel had to go outside to smoke...so like here in the US, you have to hold your breath to get inside, and through the smoke, but once inside...NO SMOKING!
Not sure if there is a size regulation for the non smoking, as our hotel was about 100 rooms...some of the smaller locations...B & B's might not have to abide by the non smoking rules.
I was amazed at the change, and it's so welcomed.