Government of Austria has announced plans to bring a total smoking ban in cafes and restaurant by 2018.

For anti-smoking groups, this plan is too long to wait.  On the other hand, smokers told that “Smoking is a sort of culture in Austria.”

Austria has one of the highest rates smoking in Europe.  According to a 2012 Eurobarometer study, 33% of people smoke regularly in this country.  In addition, 27% of 15 years old Austrian people smoke at least once a week.  It is also high rate.

Several years ago, Austria introduce the idea that separate smoking and no-smoking area, however, anti-smaking group and doctors criticised it.  Then this year, they have  finally gotten this plan.

What do you think of this plan?   I am completely opposed to smoke, so this total smoking ban in Austria is good opportunity to think about ‘to smoke’.  Not only Austria, but also Japan have many problems about smoking.  Nothing is more valuable than health, then  we have to find good solution about these problems.