Portugal bans smokers near schools, hospitals

Portugal has approved a new rule banning people from smoking near schools and hospitals, the council of ministers said Thursday.

Under the new law, smoking is banned in children's playgrounds and in areas situated near doors and windows of health and education establishments from January next year, a statement reads.

These new rules are aimed at protecting citizens of involuntary exposure to smoke and to contribute to the prevention and control of consumption.

According to Portugal's Directorate General of Health, around 12,000 people die from smoking tobacco every year.

Portugal introduced restrictions on smoking in January 2008, however rules were more lax than in other European countries; bars smaller than 100 square meters could allow smoking and public buildings could have smoking zones if they were well ventilated.

Last year the government made the rules tighter, banning smoking in all closed public buildings. This law will only be introduced in 2020 so that public spaces which invested in works to have smoking areas can adapt to the new rules.

The country also recently introduced a new law obliging tobacco companies to use packaging carrying pictorial warnings. The government also banned words like "light" which it says can be misleading.

Cigarettes with aromatic flavors and electronic cigarettes with nicotine are also set to be banned by 2020.