Dutch govt intends to exempt small bars from smoking ban

[The Straight Story]

Dutch govt intends to exempt small bars from smoking ban

The Dutch government said Wednesday it intended to exempt bars smaller than 70 square metres (753 square feet), with no staff other than the owner, from a smoking ban introduced in July 2008.

"The exemption applies only for small bars with no personnel," a health ministry statement said.
...
In the meantime, "enforcement of the smoking ban in small bars with no personnel will not be a priority, and fines already issued will be withdrawn," said the statement.

The Netherlands banned smoking in the hotel, restaurant and catering industry as from July 1, 2008 to protect staff from the dangers of passive smoking.

...
Earlier this year, statistics from the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA), a government body, showed that about 41 percent of Dutch bars and discos were transgressing the law.

http://www.expatica.com/nl/news/dutch-news/dutch-govt-intends-to-exempt-small-bars-from-smoking-ban_107901.html

41% transgressing the stupid bans. Bans don't work, but they sure make some people feel good.