Restaurant Related News

Norway Proposes Smokefree Law to Protect Employees

By Joe Cherner,
President, SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc.
Published: March 2003

The Government of Norway has proposed smokefree workplace legislation for ALL employees, including restaurant, bar and casino employees. If approved by parliament, the law will go into effect on January 1, 2004. Sweden has announced similar plans. Ireland already took such action several months ago.

Norway's Labour Party MPs have decided to support the Government's proposal which would include all cafes and nightclubs, thus securing a majority for the proposal.

Those working in the hospitality industry are the only ones not properly protected against passive smoking in the work place by today's labour laws, says Labour MP Bjarne Haakon Hanssen.

Health Minister Dagfinn Hoeybraaten put forward the proposal for a total ban on smoking in November last year, and the Socialist Left Party has also said they support the ban.

The only party opposed to the proposal is the right wing Progress Party.

To send a letter in support of smokefree workplace legislation where you live, go to www.smokefree.org.