The guidelines for hospitality establishments regarding the implementation of the Law on the Control and Restricted Use of Tobacco and Tobacco Products in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been finalized.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health, this regulation was developed 12 months after the law's initial enforcement.

“The development of the Rulebook on the conditions for designated smoking areas, as exceptions to the smoking ban, has been completed. It has received a positive review from the FBiH Government's Office for Legislation and EU Compliance and will be published in the Official Gazette of the Federation of BiH. Legal entities with exceptions to the smoking ban in their premises, whether owned or leased (such as mental health departments in health institutions, hospitality venues, and others defined in Article 7 of the Law), must comply with this Rulebook within six months of its enactment,” the Ministry explained to N1.

Article 32 of the Law states that the Federal Inspection Administration and cantonal inspection bodies will oversee its implementation.

Penalties stipulated by this law will begin to be enforced 12 months after its application starts, following the enactment of the associated bylaws (regulations).

The Law on the Control and Restricted Use of Tobacco also specifies fines ranging from 2,000 BAM to 5,000 BAM for legal entities, 300 BAM to 1,000 BAM for responsible individuals, and 500 BAM to 2,500 BAM for owners or users of premises where smoking is prohibited.

Legal entities that fail to designate a smoking area will face fines between 1,500 BAM and 5,000 BAM. Individuals violating the law will be fined 100 BAM.

The law prohibits smoking in all enclosed public spaces, public gatherings, workplaces, public transport, and private vehicles if minors are present.

The purpose of this law is to regulate the use of tobacco products better.