Abstract
On 29th March 2004, Ireland became the first country to protect non-smokers with the prohibition of smoking in the majority of workplaces, including bars and restaurants. The Irish have traditionally a worldwide image of drinkers and smokers but in general, they respect the ban and the population agrees with this law. With their image the Italian case seemed to be more complicated, but Italians accepted the law on January 10th, 2005 which prohibits tobacco in all publics areas. This case is very important, because the French became more aware of the situation in their country. The actual situation in France is the Evin law which is not really respected by the retailers. This law prohibits the promotion of tobacco and compelled the restaurant to make places reserved for smokers. But as we know, France is the country of the human right and the café-fag has an important place in the French culture. A new law is going to change their habit and to take a part of their liberty. But the principal problem is the retailers situation. With the increase of tobacco price, tobacco sellers have economical difficulties and a ban of tobacco in public areas could be dangerous for employment in this sector. But on the other hand, studies prove that the turnover and the employment in restaurants and bars progressed after a tobacco ban.
