PRAGUE, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Czech Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday rejected the proposal to soften the conditions of smoking ban in its first reading, the full smoking ban in restaurants and other public places will continue to be valid.
The rejection for the proposal was approved by 91 out of the 172 deputies present, 68 were against the motion. Supporters of the current total smoking ban considered the health reason in particular, while the critics said the total ban is an interference with the freedom of business.
The proposal wanted to allow for the opening of separated smoking rooms in restaurants, theatres, and other cultural establishments as well as sports facilities, including stadiums.
When it comes to small establishments where no food is offered, the softening of the legislation was to be even bigger.
Under the proposal, the operators of small restaurants and nightclubs measuring fewer than 80 square metres, in which no food is offered, were to be given a chance to decide on whether the establishment will be smoking or non-smoking.
Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtech said the current total smoking ban has a positive impact on public health, and it takes precedence over freedom of business, changing the law after the year of its effectiveness is irresponsible.
The law of total smoking ban in restaurants and other public places took effect a year ago in the Czech Republic. According to a poll conducted in May, 71 percent of Czech people supports the ban on smoking in restaurants.