Smokefree Norway Begins in Six Days
05/27/04
OSLO, Norway - ''Welcome to Norway. The only thing we smoke here is salmon,'' reads posters issued by the government, a week before it eliminates smoking in all workplaces, including bars, restaurants and discos.
The posters are part of a new smokefree campaign launched by the Norwegian Ministry of Health before the Scandinavian nation on June 1 becomes the second country in Europe after Ireland to implement a total smokefree policy in all workplaces.
''This law does not aim to reduce the number of smokers, but simply aspires to ensure that employees in restaurants and bars have a smoke-free work environment,'' Norwegian Health Minister Dagfinn Hoeybraaten said, pointing out that such employees are the only ones still exposed to cigarette smoke in the workplace.
In addition to the new information campaign, the Norwegian government has been trying to get the country's citizens to quit smoking by attacking their wallets. At more than $9.70 dollars a pack, Norway, along with Britain, has the most expensive cigarettes in Europe.
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