As anyone who has traveled in Europe knows, Europeans are heavy smokers. Emphasis here is on heavy. Nothing ruins the enjoyment of a great meal like the strong odor of tobaco smoke. Several years ago we were actually forced to leave an incredibly wonderful meal in a Paris restaurant as the smoke from one chain-smoking patron was so overwhelming that we could barely breathe and actually lost our ability to taste the meal. This individual in fact smoked while eating.
Well, there is relief in sight.
Paris, France, has gone smoke-free in all public spaces, including cafés and restaurants, starting January 2, 2008. The city approached the ban in stages: it outlawed smoking in venues like schools and hospitals in February of 2007, but granted a few additional months for patrons of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Hats Off to the Parisians for this effort.
Now, if only we could get the same law passed in other European cities.
Well, there is relief in sight.
Paris, France, has gone smoke-free in all public spaces, including cafés and restaurants, starting January 2, 2008. The city approached the ban in stages: it outlawed smoking in venues like schools and hospitals in February of 2007, but granted a few additional months for patrons of bars, cafes, and restaurants. Hats Off to the Parisians for this effort.
Now, if only we could get the same law passed in other European cities.
.jpg)
