Federal Protection of Non-Smokers Act
Bundesnichtraucherschutzgesetz (BNichtrSchG)
The Federal Protection of Non-Smokers Act entered into force on 1 September 2007. Employees of federal authorities and public transport passengers are now given a legal right to protection against passive smoking. The age limit for the sale of tobacco products to young per-sons is simultaneously raised from 16 to 18 years.
As of 1 September 2007, there is a general smoking ban in all public buildings of the Federation including all its constitutional bodies as well as all public transport vehicles and public railway stations. If a sufficient number of rooms are available, special rooms may be made available to smokers. It is now unlawful for young people to buy tobacco products.
The smoking ban is to be adequately posted pursuant to section 1 of the Act. The creation of smoking areas and the notification duties are the responsibility of the keyholder of the building or the public transport operator. It is unlawful for any individual to smoke in violation of the provisions of the law. This administrative offence is punishable by a fine.
