Lithuanian parliament bans smoking in balconies

Residents of apartment blocks in Lithuania will no longer be able to smoke in balconies if at least one resident objects to that, after the country's lawmakers on Thursday backed amendments to the Law on Control of Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Related Products with 69 votes in favor, four against and seven abstentions.

The amendments had been proposed by Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga ant another 13 MPs.

The Seimas of Lithuania has made several attempts since 2014 to ban smoking in balconies. Those against the amendments say the ban would unenforceable.

In 2007, smoking was banned in restaurants, bars and other public catering venues and clubs.