Some bar owners in Reykjavík have decided to ignore the smoking ban, which took effect last June, in protest of lack of facilities for smokers. Their actions are in breach of the law and as a result they may be deprived of their operating license.
Baldvin Skúlason, who operates the venues Barinn, Q-bar and Oliver in downtown Reykjavík, told ruv.is that bar owners are not equal in the face of the law and that he has requested a meeting with Minister of Health Gudlaugur Thór Thórdarson to discuss the matter.
The law states that smoking is not allowed indoors public places. At Barinn, the owners gave smokers permission some time ago to smoke in a designated area inside the bar and Reykjavík City has decided to sue them for violating the smoking ban.
Shortly after Barinn allowed smoking in a designated area, other bars permitted their customers to smoke inside as well.
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