SWITZERLAND BAR SMOKING BAN REFERENDUM
March 1st, 2006
BY KEITH NUTHALL
CITIZENS of a Swiss canton have exercised direct democracy to ban smoking from local bars, nightclubs and restaurants. The proposal was overwhelmingly approved by voters in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, north of Milan, with 79.1% (90,384) voting in favour, against 20.9% voting against (23,945). It will be the first such ban in Switzerland, where referendums often decide public policy. Ticino bars, restaurants and nightclubs can create separate well-ventilated smoking areas, however.
ENDS
CITIZENS of a Swiss canton have exercised direct democracy to ban smoking from local bars, nightclubs and restaurants. The proposal was overwhelmingly approved by voters in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, north of Milan, with 79.1% (90,384) voting in favour, against 20.9% voting against (23,945). It will be the first such ban in Switzerland, where referendums often decide public policy. Ticino bars, restaurants and nightclubs can create separate well-ventilated smoking areas, however.
ENDS
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