In October 2004, smoking was banned in all enclosed public spaces, including public transportation, clubs and restaurants, although smoking areas are allowed.

Between October and December 2004, 45 people were charged in court for breaching the smoking regulations. There has since been a steady increase in the number of infringements, as 230 people were charged in 2005, 776 in 2006, going up to 1,275 people who were caught breaching the law in 2007. Between January and April of this year, 560 people have been charged in court.

The introduction of the smoking ban had not been easily accepted. Small bars and restaurants initially complained that they would lose out on their clientele because their custoimers would not have been allowed to smoke inside.

The Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises (GRTU) issued a number of press statements calling on the government to suspend the smoking regulations and told owners of establishments to implement the regulations by simply informing their patrons about the smoking ban.

The GRTU had also said that if the law were not suspended and its members started being taken to court for breaching it, then it would call another meeting but added that the GRTU hoped the government was not “so insane’ as to have a fight with bar owners.

It also warned the government that if it continued to burden entertainment establishments, unemployment would continue to rise.

However, the law is the law and it is being upheld by the majority of restaurant and bar owners. Although there are still a few places where people still smoke inside, regardless of the regulations, the large majority abide by the law.

The police are still vigilant – in fact, on Saturday, the police arraigned a man after he was caught smoking in a bar in Birkirkara.

Breaching the law and smoking in a public area does not come cheap. If caught and found guilty for the first time, a smoker can receive a fine of not less than €232.94 and not more than €1,164.69.