Smokers are being forced to stub out their cigarettes in a number of public spaces after strict new anti-smoking legislation went into effect Wednesday.
The new laws will make it illegal to light up on or near public transportation, at swimming pools, theaters, shows, and at outdoor event venues, as well as restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, clubs, synagogues, and places of worship.
While puffing away on buses and trains has been illegal for years, the new law will forbid smoking at bus stops, on train platforms, and in bus and train stations. Likewise, it will be forbidden to smoke within 10 meters of the entrance to a hospital or a clinic.
Those caught lighting up in the prohibited locations face a fine of NIS 1,000, while the owner of the premises can be fined NIS 5,000.
In restaurants and bars, smoking will be only be allowed in specially marked areas outside the building that do not exceed a quarter of the total area available.
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