Austria has a weak approach to tobacco control and its smokefree policies have been ranked the lowest of 30 European countries. Tobacco legislation was introduced in 1995 and was updated in 2005. Smoking was banned in educational institutions, public transport but not in all workplaces or in bars and restaurants. DSRs could be installed on a voluntary basis. The law was poorly enforced. ‘No smoking’ signs have only been enforced since 2007. Austria’s smoking prevalence is around 30%, but the previous Health Minister claimed it was 50%, denied the effects of secondhand smoke, and used these as reasons for not introducing comprehensive smokefree legislation.
An amendment to the Tobacco Act was adopted on 1 August 2008 and came into force on 1 January 2009. It extends the smoking ban to restaurants and catering establishments where food or drink is served. However, there are many exemptions and there is also an option to provide a separate smoking area in any restaurant. Smoking is allowed in the following places: (1) establishments which have only one room serving food and drink and where the floor area is <50m2; (2) establishments where there is only one room for serving food and drink and where the floor area is between 50m2 and 80m2 and where laws prevent the construction of a smoking room.
The amendment was opposed by the medical community and senior politicians.
Smokefree resources available in 2009
Smokefree Partnership www.smokefreepartnership.eu
European Network on Smoking Prevention www.ensp.org
First, say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. Health Service Food and Human Resources: Cheap Duty Free Cigarettes Online