Iceland executes smoking ban in bars and restaurants

Iceland has recenty introduced a total ban on smoking in public places amid protests from bar and restaurant owners who feel the prohibition is too severe and poorly executed.

Due to everchanging Icelandic weather conditions and a fairly chilly climate even in summer, many bar owners have set up gas heaters on pavements and some restaurants will be lending blankets to customers.

Most venues have increased their staff of doormen and bouncers because of the expected increase in the number of guests going in and out to smoke.

Another Nordic country, Finland, also introduced a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants on Friday.