Lithuanian bar fined after pipe-loving PM lights up
VILNIUS (AFP) — A hotel in Lithuania which allowed the country's prime minister to light up his pipe in breach of no-smoking laws has been hit with a hefty fine, authorities said Thursday.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas smoked his beloved pipe in the bar of the Klaipeda hotel in the eponymous city port, at a meeting in February with his Latvian opposite number, Ivars Godmanis.
Now the Lithuanian alcohol and tobacco control service said the bar in the had been ordered to pay 1,000 litas (290 euros, 446 dollars).
Kirkilas, 56, is a long-time pipe-smoker.
The incident was reported to the alcohol and tobacco service, which immediately launched an investigation.
Kirkilas subsequently said he would pay the fine if the bar was punished.
Smoking in public places, including cafes, restaurants and bars, has been banned in Lithuania since January 1, 2007.
Under the anti-tobacco law the venue and not the smoker is held responsible for breaches.
Lithuania's anti-smoking ban is part of a pattern of increasing anti-tobacco measures across Europe, with Britain, Ireland, France and Germany all now having sanctions against smoking in public buildings, including bars and restaurants.
