[wagglebee]

"I think this is excessive zeal against smokers. It's a witch hunt," she said, adding a pledge to throw more dinner parties and eat out less frequently.

It's actually just a result of voting for leftists.

[Sterrins]

Poor Italians. Welcome to the club.

[Theresawithanh]

No smoking in bars and restaurants in CA for a loooong time. It's not so bad, but it does make me long for the days when a cigarette after a meal or a cigarette sitting in the bar with your beer was OK. That's why it's so much fun to go to a state where you can smoke.

My favorite pub has a bar where you can smoke on the patio, though.

[B Knotts]

It's actually just a result of voting for leftists.

I'm pretty sure the "conservatives" are in charge in Italy.

[SteveH]

It is not pleasant taking a train in southern Europe or France and getting sore throats, or with the later result that all of one's clothes smell like cheap pungent cigarette smoke, even if one tries to stick to the non-smoking cars. I understand it is much worse for those with asthma and/or allergies. I write this as one who supports private property rights, does not suffer from asthma or allergies myself, and also as one who had a Stateside college girlfriend who smoked (American cigarettes did not bother me at the time, though I would probably object to the smelly clothes now).

[nathanbedford]

I would become a marxist long enough to cast such vote. The smoke in Italian public places is beyond unendurable. I live 1&1/2 hours from the Italian border and might just take a ride down there now that it will not be so sulphurous.

[johnb838]

I saw a "Trends For 2005" thing on GMA that siad the "in" thing for 2005 was going to be "Staying At Home." Connection?" I say "Aye."

[SheLion]

Smoking bans around the world

LONDON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - A smoking ban will take effect on Monday in Italy, which bar and restaurant owners say they will refuse to police.

[DennisR]

"In the end we'll get used to not smoking in restaurants or bars, just like we've already had to do, for example, in trains and planes," said Francesca Cola, 38, smoking a cigarette as she sat outside a cafe on Rome's central Piazza Venezia.

Francesca: One major difference - you cannot voluntarily at any time leave a train or plane. You can do that if you are in a restaurant or whatever.

[Indy Pendance]

They rolled over and took it. Just like the US. Socialism 101, what's good for the majority. So long freedom!

[VermiciousKnid]

Scratching Italy off the places I'll visit.

Regards,

[Nataku X]

In a socialist health care system, the only way that the government can "afford" it is to reduce costs. And how to reduce cost? Control everyone's lives, of course. First, it'll be banning smoking... then, it'll be banning McDonald's... then, it'll be going to a government health center everyday and logging 5 miles on that treadmill to avoid a fine of $10,000...

[Drango]

just like we've already had to do, for example, in trains and planes,

I still remember the days if i wanted to fly I had to suck up the addiction of smokers. No more.

[an italian]

it's a sad day for us in italy today... :-(

we can't smoke!! it seems to be... in america!!! hehe...

god bless you guys...

[RandallFlagg]

The outdoors, private homes, and restaurants and bars with ventilated smoking rooms are the only places spared from the anti-smoking law.
Until they say that it's not good enough. Which they always do.

[bmwcyle]

I spent time in Italy. Percentage wise they smoke than Americans.