EU watchdog labels smoking ban as ‘weak’

The European Ombudsman has ruled that a light enforcement of smoking bans in
European Parliament administrative buildings in Luxembourg is not only too
weak, but also inefficient.

Following complaints made in 1996 from a parliament official, the European
Union watchdog said the parliament’s defence – that it was up to each
individual to act responsibly – was not an adequate response to non-compliance.

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In 1995, the parliament introduced smoking bans for transit areas
(entrances, halls, toilets, stairways and lifts), shared offices and meeting
rooms, and set aside special smoking areas.

However, despite backing these rules with signs and memos, parliament
admitted that some people did not feel bound by the rules, which lead the
official to accuse management of "extreme complacency" and
"maladministration".