Turkey extends smoking ban

The next phase of Turkey’s controversial smoking ban has come into force.

The extension to the existing law from today now prohibits people lighting up inside cafes, bars and restaurants.

Some owners already hit by the hard economic climate had opposed the ban, fearing it would kill business.

However, despite Turkey having some 22 million smokers, the ban appears to have popular support.

The extended ban follows last year’s move to prevent smoking in most public places as part of a drive to improve the nations health.

Turkey’s government has estimated around 100,000 people die each year from smoking-related illnesses.

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tags: Health, Turkey