No Indoor Smoking Anymore! The New Ban in the Czech Republic

Moving to a new country might be stressful, and some of us know how just two puffs of a cigarette, every now and then, can help in relaxing the nerves after a busy day of study/work. It’s a habit. A good alternative to the classic coffee break?  You can’t have 6 espressos per day, can you! An ice-breaker with the new colleague or an excuse to talk to that person you wanted to talk to last Saturday night at the club?

The Czech Republic has been one of those European countries which has allowed smoking in pubs and restaurants…until now. Indeed, statistics have shown that about 28% of Czechs smoke on a regular basis, slightly more than the EU average of around 24%.

Now get ready! Things are about to change. From the 31st of May (a day also known as World No Tobacco Day) onward, smoking tolerances will change.

On the February 14th, President Miloš Zeman officially signed the anti-smoking law, approving the ban on smoking in indoor areas of restaurants, theaters, cafes, and cinemas throughout the Czech Republic. The law will be put into effect at the end of this month.

The bill has been approved by both houses of Parliament, and the final draft has been signed off by 45 of the 68 present members of the upper chamber. Polls taken while the Czech ban was pending showed that three-quarters of the Czech population supported the ban, proving that most of the people living in this country felt ready to follow the European trend of banning this kind of habit.

Health Minister Miloslav Ludvík (ČSSD) said the law will not only protect restaurant and bar patrons but also the staff working at those venues. As workers face long-term exposure they constantly risk the quick impairment of their lungs and degradation of health in general. Thus this ban is also meant to protect these service professionals.

In addition, the bill will prohibit smoking on travel platforms, and the use of electronic cigarettes in hospitals, schools, and shopping centers. Besides, movie theaters, concert halls, exhibition venues, and indoor sports areas will be banned from having separate rooms for smokers. Although some critics tried to preserve separate smoking zones, the government considered the maintenance of these areas unnecessary.

For those incapable of quitting smoking, all is not lost: e-cigarettes and hookahs will still be allowed in cafés, bars, and restaurants. If you can’t give up smoking, just be careful. Sanctions for those who persist indoors will be heavy. Penalties will not only aim at common smokers but sellers as well; fees for the sales of tobacco to minors are expected to rise.

Foreigners.cz has always supported and promoted non-smoking events which carry over to our monthly MeetUp events and we believe that this kind of environment is more friendly and pleasant than the same-old foggy ballroom where people swim into waves of mist.
Although some of our employees are regular smokers, some abstain and some are on-again/off-again, we don’t believe stepping outdoors when a cigarette is needed has ever killed anyone. Moreover, going outside for a smoke break can make it easier to relax after hours of loud music at a club or dealing with noisy tourists sitting at the table next to you.

I personally smoke a couple of cigs per day (ok, maybe more than that) and I never had the feeling that smoking indoors would have added something to the act of smoking itself. In my native country Italy, smoking inside pubs, restaurants and public venues, in general, was banned in 2003 and I can promise that after a few years it seemed perfectly normal to have to do it outside. And who knows, maybe for some of you, the ban could be a good reason to quit smoking altogether and start a healthy lifestyle…but for that, you would need to quit drinking as well. Maybe I’m asking too much. I can bet that Czech parents, children in general and your mother-in-law can’t wait to see you throwing away that ugly cigarette box in your pocket on which is a fantastic picture of that guy with 2 throat cancers, a stoma and nasty black tongue, products of his smoking habit.

What are your thoughts about the new ban? If it effects your everyday life, how do you think it will affect your everyday life?

Comment and share the content if you wish! See you at our next cool event at one of the pubs and clubs in town. Just one thing: leave the tobacco and filters at home for once, would you? 

 

Editor: Marq Edward Shafer – Foreigners.cz Prague PR Coordinator

 

Nilo Castaldini

Volunteer for the Italian Red Cross, I enjoy good company, off-road motorcycles and pasta 'al dente'. My philosophy upon personal growth and future perspectives can be summarised quoting the words of the famous Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet: “The most beautiful of [our] seas, is the one we haven't sailed yet […]”.

30 thoughts on “No Indoor Smoking Anymore! The New Ban in the Czech Republic

  1. I am such a huge fan of the Percy Jackson books and unlike most people I really liked the films and am waiting for the Percy Jackson 3 to be made. It’s sad that Logan Lerman won’t be able to return because obviously he’s a grown man now. But I’m looking forward to a TV show too. After all this is the golden age of television and hope you’d do a good job with the material at hand.

    1. Getting weed in Prague is easy if you know the right people to deal with. Greenie ( haha420kush at gmail com ) is the only local vendor who has extensive knowledge of Prague and can hook you up with the best quality of bud without any hassle. Just hit him up and place your order. He is very professional and keep things discreet. You won’t regret dealing with him.

      1. i just got back from my holidays and this fellow helped me … hit him on ” haha420kush [ad] gmail ” for great stuff…

  2. I totally agree with the ban and I agree with the social smoking meeting out of the bars. I only see a noise issue here, already happened yesterday night (first night of effectiveness of the law) when the usual customers had to stay outside for a smoke taking their beers outside at night. It’s gonna cost a continuous and annoying intervention of police, but that’s very natural in southern countries like Italy, Spain, where drinking, smoking and chatting on the streets is a common attitude, often not liked by residents. That’s a never-stopping matter of discussion everywhere on this planet: prohibiting noise after 22 is very understandable for residents but will discourage people to hang out in such places and negatively affect business of bars. So my question is: silent areas or animated areas? How do you manage such thing in areas of Prague like Zizkov?

    1. Getting weed in Prague is easy if you know the right people to deal with. Greenie ( haha420kush at gmail com ) is the only local vendor who has extensive knowledge of Prague and can hook you up with the best quality of bud without any hassle. Just hit him up and place your order. He is very professional and keep things discreet. You won’t regret dealing with him.

      1. So I will admit I was extremely skeptical about emailing some dude named Greenie ( haha420kush@gmail.com ) and arranging a drug deal for some weed. But after reading all the positive reviews I figured it was worth a shot. I was not disappointed at all! Greenie IS AWESOME! He is all about the customer. He has someone meet you in a quiet (but really convenient) place. I messed up and was waiting at the wrong area. His guy waited for 20 minutes until he finally found me. And the weed and coke is fucking awesome. If you are coming to Czech Republic and need the hook up, look no further. Greenie is your man.

  3. I understand cafes and restaurants.. But bars? Seriously? They could at least let that one be. sigh..

    1. Getting weed in Prague is easy if you know the right people to deal with. Greenie ( haha420kush at gmail com ) is the only local vendor who has extensive knowledge of Prague and can hook you up with the best quality of bud without any hassle. Just hit him up and place your order. He is very professional and keep things discreet. You won’t regret dealing with him.

  4. I agree with Sarah’s post.

    It’s easy to forget that smokers like me are not the primary victims of these blanket bans. Sure it’s a nuisance, but we can still choose whether we go to pubs or not. For me it’ll be a case of going to places with gardens in the summer and going to pubs rarely, if at all, in the winter. The real victims are the pub owners who will see a marked drop in trade and may see their businesses fold as a result. There may be an influx of non-smoking customers to replace the smokers, but I rather doubt it; that didn’t happen after the ban was introduced in the UK, despite assurances that it would.

    The arguments for and against the ban have been rehearsed on many Czech forums, and rather pointlessly, since nobody ever wins these debates. There are equally strong arguments on both sides, and one side will not persuade the other to change its standpoint.

    Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

  5. Love it, Love it, Love it
    It is very nasty trying to enjoy a meal in a restaurant with someone who remains ignorant of the desire of other patrons wish for clean air while enjoying good food. Having to breathe cigarette smoke while eating so ruins the eating experience.
    It is bad enough having to walk down the street and have to pass by this putrid smelling cigarette smoke.
    Nuff said!

  6. Hey there to all readers of this blog. Are you looking for a local hookup ? Or you wanna make your stay here a remarkable one ? Then contact us. We sell top shelf strains, MDMA , heroine, LSD , Coke and some others. So hassle no more.
    Email: greenjustontime@gmail.com

    Telegram: vitalweed

    1. Hey bro, I told you I’m gonna drop a comment just to say thank you about the stuff you delivered to our hostel. I highly recommend

    2. I was recommended to you by my friends who were satisfied with your services. I will need an ounce of sativa. I have sent you a text on telegram

      1. Berlin is a real example of a modern urban city with high living standards that has a lot to offer to a tourist, and especially when we talk about weed in Berlin. The city has many parts, and each one of them has its own vibe. You’ll need a lot of time to explore each one of them and we promise you, it is worth it!

        It is hard to find any similar destination that is rich with history, art, graffiti, and nightlife, as Berlin! I am sure that you already wonder is it easy to get weed in Berlin, as a tourist.

        You don’t need to panic, because Berlin is also a city filled with weed-friendly people and we’ll try to help you find them.

        Still, I would advise you to take care, because it is not legal, and everything you do, you are doing on your own risk.

        I know that you are experienced in staying out of danger, but I will give you more information about cannabis legal status in Berlin.

        It makes me jealous even thinking about going to Berlin! I promise you, it will be one of the best times your life!

        Keep reading, and find all answers you need to get some good herb for safe, and fulfilled travel experience!
        But if you want to buy, I recommend budsterdam75@gmail.com

    3. These dudes are scammers. They live in Africa, Cameroon. They will ask you to send money via Western Union to Cameroon. They will say to send to that country so it’s harder for cops to track. They are full of shit. Scammer Africans go to hell. @vitalweed , @budkonnection, all those gmails, fake. Just look up those usernames on Google. You will see for yourself.

  7. Hey Prague Connection, this is Andrea,an italian guy visiting prague for a week. I found your address(greenjustontime@gmail.com) on this page, i am looking for some stuff,if we could meet today It will be great. I was recommended to your services by some dudes at the Cross Club during the Cannafest

    1. These dudes are scammers. They live in Africa, Cameroon. They will ask you to send money via Western Union to Cameroon. They will say to send to that country so it’s harder for cops to track. They are full of shit. Scammer Africans go to hell. @vitalweed , @budkonnection, all those gmails, fake. Just look up those usernames on Google. You will see for yourself.

  8. @vitalweed and @budconnect is scammers. Poor people from Africa trying to make a living, lol.

  9. OMG!!! Mark Brinston here is the best dealer I have ever seen so far.He just ask me some few questions and some few steps to follow then my weed was delivered to me within 30 minutes.He made my visiting here a perfect one. Email (markbrinston@gmail.com)and Hit him up for a smoke and get shit delivered to you accordingly.

  10. Quality Medical marijuana Strains,oil,Wax,Shatter available for the treatment of Cancer,Insomnia, Diabetes,Pain,Depression, Anxiety,many others.we offer fast,safe and discrete worldwide delivery.Contact our website below to place your order
    WEBSITE..https://420cannahigh.com/

  11. @budkonnection IS A SCAM! Asks you to pay via Western Union beforehand😂😂😂 No one asks for that so don’t bother, they make you think its legit then come up with a bullshit excuse as to why they can’t drop off.

  12. I am sure this would help other stoners who are dying to get buds in here. I had gone dry for days and i needed to get a puff ASAP luckily i meet with Robert Merkel . Nice strains and prices are moderate.Email ( robertmerkel420@gmail.com ) to get the perfect weed here

  13. I was both impressed and amazed at how Good Sterling Garyp made my Stay here. This guy hooked me up with some High-Grade Quality Weed. This reaffirmed my faith in their Quality & legitimacy and i won’t hesitate to place an order again when am back here. Cuz one thing is certain, good quality weed, you’d not find anywhere & fastest delivery. I’d recommend anyone to hit him up Sterling Garyp via Email ( (sterlinggaryp@gmail.com) ) if you need some Top Grade Flowers.

  14. All scams , they delay so that they can take out the money in Africa, scumbags. They say it’s all about security but it’s a clever scam , do not buy drugs via western union

  15. DO NOT ORDER DRUGS FROM GMAIL ADDRESSES , THEY ADVERTISE IN EVERY COUNTRY , ASK YOU DOWNLOAD AN APP( TELEGRAM) AND THEN TO LODGE MONEY INTO WESTERN UNION CAMAROON AND THEN DELAY YOU UNTIL THE MONEY IS TAKEN OUT IN AFRICA , THEY ARE VERY CLEVER AND WILL TRY TO GUILT YOU TO STOP ASKING QUESTIONS .IT SEEMS VERY LEGIT BUT IT IS NOT , THEY POST POSITIVE MESSAGES ON FORUMS SAYING THAT THE DEAL WAS GREAT AND THE WEED WAS THE BEST EVER . ITS A SCAM ITS A SCAM ITS A SCAM
    BE WARNED IF YOU BUY FROM THE EMAILS THEY WILL STEEL YOUR MONEY.

    1. I’ve just been scammed by them. I sent them
      $95 euros, they couldn’t deliver yesterday and then I saw they picked the money up but still didn’t deliver. I feel stupid for doing it but I thought they seemed pretty trustworthy. Now I realise the reviews were probably fake too!

  16. i was here with friends for over a month. what made my stay here special was the WEED. my driver linked us with Clark D and he got us the best quality weed. He is discreet, reliable and deals f2f. you can reach im at ( CLARKDEVLIN84 (AT) YAHOO (DOT) COM ) and he will make your stay here green

  17. J Ray
    THE REAL J Ray Watch out for these guys they are scam artists they copy and paste my profile picture just to redo my comment. Do not trust them they will rip you off. They aren’t a bunch of thieves do not trust them.budsterdam75 420kush @gmail.com is a scam artist and these are his boys trying to reassure you that he’s not do not trust them.
    DO NOT ORDER DRUGS FROM GMAIL ADDRESSES , THEY ADVERTISE IN EVERY COUNTRY , ASK YOU DOWNLOAD AN APP AND THEN TO LODGE MONEY INTO WESTERN UNION CAMAROON AND THEN DELAY YOU UNTIL THE MONEY IS TAKEN OUT IN AFRICA , THEY ARE VERY CLEVER AND WILL TRY TO GUILT YOU TO STOP ASKING QUESTIONS .IT SEEMS VERY LEGIT BUT IT IS NOT , THEY POST POSITIVE MESSAGES ON FORUMS SAYING THAT THE DEAL WAS GREAT AND THE WEED WAS THE BEST EVER . ITS A SCAM ITS A SCAM ITS A SCAM
    BE WARNED IF YOU BUY FROM THE EMAILS THEY WILL STEEL YOUR MONEY

Leave a Reply to Sarah Samaniego Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *