Smokers win two year reprieve

RIGA -- The Latvian parliament has rejected an attempt to outlaw smoking while driving, but approved measures that will see lighting up banned in all public catering outlets.

Smokers still have two years to puff away to their hearts' discontent though, as the new law will not come into force until April 1 2010.

Saeima approved amendments to the Law on Restrictions regarding Sale, Advertising and Use of Tobacco that will make it illegal to smoke except in specifically designated areas. The new rules will even apply in outdoor cafes and beer gardens which will have to create special smokers' sections if they wish to allow patrons to puff.

The law will also be tightened to prevent tobacco being advertised in the press anywhere except in special publications for the tobacco trade, and publications printed outside the EU.

Billboard advertisements for tobacco products will have to include a health warning no smaller than five percent of the advertisement's total area.