Hawaii: smoking to be banned on Waikiki Beach

Legislation that would ban smoking on Waikiki Beach advanced in Hawaii Legislature Supporters say the bill could help boost tourism, while opponents say it will hinder an already struggling industry. "The beach is littered with cigarette butts, and this will make a statement that we want to keep one of our great resources litter-free. When you're on the beach and you're around children, this is not a good place to smoke to begin with," said state Rep. Tom Brower, who introduced the bill.

Source: Honolulu Advertiser; find Article here>>.

Taiwan to become 'smoke free'

Taiwanese authorities on Sunday banned smoking in all indoor public places including hotels, restaurants and airports. Smoking had previously been banned in public areas including hospitals, schools, theaters, libraries, office buildings and elevators.

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Austria: Hotel Association argues for voluntary Smoking Ban

While Austrian Government is still struggling with a smoking ban in restaurants, the chairman of the Hotel Association on Wednesday hurried ahead with the proposal to introduce a general smoking ban in all Austrian hotels. The idea was immediately citisized by the tourism section of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, not only representing hoteliers but also owners of small restaurants who refuse to accept a smoking ban.

"England smoking ban takes effect"

The BBC News reports that "Smokers across England have sparked up at work and in the pub for the last time as the ban on smoking in enclosed public places begins.
The new law, which came into effect at 0600 BST, is intended to cut deaths from second-hand smoke. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland already have similar bans in place.
Many venues held farewell events for the final night of smoking on Saturday, while local authorities are preparing to enforce the ban.
Doctors estimate second-hand smoke kills more than 600 people a year. The government also hopes it will help smokers to quit, and discourage children from taking up the habit."

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Hawaii: no-smoking law to affect tourism?

Hawaii's no-smoking law, which went into effect on November 16, has raised fears Japanese tourists, one of the state s biggest markets, will give the island a miss. The law prohibits smoking in all public areas including airports, restaurants, bowling alleys and malls. It is also now illegal to light up in partially enclosed areas, bars and less than 20 feet from doorways and windows. Thirteen other US states and hundreds of cities are now complying with the comprehensive no-smoking laws.

Yujiro Kuwabara from the Japan Travel Bureau predicts the toughest challenge will be explaining the new rules, especially the small percentage of hotel rooms where smoking is allowed.

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