HEALTH MINISTER WANTS TO FORBID SMOKING

Health Minister, Umberto Veronesi, started an anti-smoking crusade that resulted in the cabinet approving a bill on Friday aiming at imposing a total ban on smoking in private and public areas.

Mr. Veronesi, former famous oncologist, said that his "effort is meant to benefit the 44 million Italian non-smokers".

The bill, which must still be approved by Parliament, provides for public buildings to have a room where smoking is allowed, but hospitals, universities, schools and doctors' private cabinets would be completely smoke free.

According to the bill smoking would also be forbidden in stores, recreational centres, bars, restaurants, gyms, train stations, airports and ports.

Prisoners will be allowed to smoke only if living alone in a cell or in areas specially designated for smokers.

Infractions would reach up to 6 million lire for inspectors who overlook them, while fines for smokers would range from 50,000 to 300,000 lire.

Minister Veronesi said that the fines would help fund anti-smoking campaigns.

Mr. Veronesi also said he intends starting legal action against tobacco multinationals for allegedly causing damage to health.

However, Italy has a monopoly on cigarette distribution and thus "Mr. Veronesi might be carrying out legal action against the state he represents" said Carlo Bassi, director of Assotabacco, association of European tobacco producers.