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PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech government has approved a ban on smoking in restaurants, bars and cafes.
The Health Ministry says the ban includes electric cigarettes and should be applied without exceptions in all indoor spaces of such establishments. The sale of cigarettes in hospitals and schools will also be banned.
Unlike most of Europe, the Czechs have been tolerant to smoking and it is currently up to restaurant owners to decide whether to allow or ban it.
At the same time, the legislation includes a provision that businesses selling alcohol will have to offer at least one drink cheaper that the cheapest alcoholic beverage of the same amount.
The bill unanimously approved Wednesday still needs approval from both chambers of Parliament and President Milos Zeman, a chain smoker.
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