Macedonian parliament fined for smoking
State smoking inspectors have fined Macedonia’s parliament after a raid found overflowing ashtrays on the premises – but no illicit smokers.
The country’s labour inspectorate said in a statement that in addition to a €5,000 fine it had ordered the assembly’s lounge and restaurant to close for two weeks over breaches of an indoor smoking ban.
The statement said inspectors found used ashtrays in parts of the building used by MPs and parliament staff, but caught nobody puffing away.
Since the beginning of 2010, Macedonia has banned smoking in all public places, including outside establishments serving food or drinks.
