Saint Gallen has now stamped the law brought in in February and SG will be smoke free(ish) from 01.10.2008.

The kanton has adopted the watered down affair with dedicated smoking rooms being ok as long as there is the same smoke free facilities (i.e. they can't just have a bar where smoking is ok, there must be a smoke free bar too). The smoking rooms must be ventilated but they have a 3 year period to get that done (note to self, buy shares in ventilation company). If no smoke room is possible they can apply for a license to continue smoking but it will be tough to get one (apparently) and word on the street is they will be very expensive and, where staff are employed (i.e. not just a family business) practically impossible.

Stuff here.

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Swissbob - New to the EF? Read these first: How to Search Tag Guide - Looking for Real Ale?

I am a ex-smoker and consider it to be a horrible habit that is a waste of money and will damage your health.

BUT I totally support the rights of individuals to choose to smoke if they wish as long as it doesn't harm other people at the same time. Designated smoking rooms seem to be a fairer system than in the UK where smokers are forced outside, whatever the weather. Even if pubs etc. build smoking shelters they have to be at least 50% open.

What tends to happen now is that smokers congregate just outside the door and this can be very offputting if it is a pub that opens out onto the street. Either a crowd of smokers to get through, or heaps of cigarette butts on the pavement.