Croatia
On 22 November 2008 the Croatian Parliament passed legislation prohibiting smoking in public institutions such as hospitals, clinics, schools, nurseries and universities with infractions punishable with up to 1000 kuna (140 euros). A notable exception in the Act are psychiatric wards in Croatia's hospitals. The ban went further in May 2009 when smoking was banned in all enclosed public areas including bars, restaurants and cafes. The smoking ban applies to all public areas where non-smokers could suffer from secondhand smoking including open public areas like sport stadiums, arenas, open air theaters, tram and bus stations etc. It is estimated that 30 percent of Croatia’s adult population are smokers. On 10 September 2009 the ban on smoking in bars and cafes in Croatia was partially repealed for a grace period until 9 April 2010, local media has reported. Proprietors with establishments that are up to 50 sq m that meet very strict conditions will now be able to choose whether to allow smoking. One of the conditions is a ventilation system that is able to change indoor air at least 10 times per hour. Until March 2010 only 16 (out of 16 000) establishments in all of Croatia have met the conditions and have been permitted to allow smoking. Larger establishments will have to include a designated and separately ventilated smoking area.