According to the Act on Restricting the Use of Tobacco and Related Products, smoking tobacco, herbal products, e-cigarettes and even water pipes is banned in all enclosed public spaces with fines of up to EUR 20,000 for companies and up to EUR 2,000 for individuals found to be in violation of the law. Since the beginning of the year, inspectors have been touring the country to make sure the rules are being followed in cafes, bars and restaurants.


So far, 389 checks have been carried out this year with 181 venues in violation of the law, reports CroatiaWeek.
“If the weather gets nicer, we’ll open the terrace, and smoking will be allowed there. But guests complain a lot. Most of our crowd are students who come in groups of five or six. When they see there’s no smoking, they often just leave. Business has definitely dropped,” said Tin, a waiter at a student-friendly cafe in Zagreb.

And there might be even tougher rules on the horizon with the Hospitality Industry Association fearing a total smoking blackout in enclosed areas.

“We’ve asked the Ministry of Health for a meeting to find out if they’re planning any changes to the law soon. Businesses don’t want to invest in ventilation or upgrades only to face new rules,” said Jelena Tabak, president of the association at the Croatian Chamber of Economy.