To our sensitive, non-smoking English noses it comes as a bit of a shock to go into a restaurant and be met with clouds of cigarette smoke. And even worse to see ashtrays on the dinner tables. Thankfully, although to the chagrin of some of our Hungarian friends, a smoking ban was introduced on the first of January. Smoking is no longer allowed in enclosed public spaces. This includes railway and metro stations and underpasses as well as restaurants. Unfortunately restaurants only have to enforce no smoking "zones" so the ban is not quite as strict as in the UK but its a step in the right direction.
There is a 3 month easing in period before the fines begin so April 1st will be the key date. I don't know which way this will go, the government is not very popular in Hungary and a few people are grumbling about civil liberties being infringed (i.e. their right to pollute the shared air), on the other hand the locals we know are a resourceful and pragmatic lot and the young smokers might discover (like our Dublin friends did) that standing outside bars and in shop doorways for a smoke is a great way to meet new friends.
Whether you love or hate smoking come and visit Budapest and if you need any dental work let us know ...
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