News of Norway, April 30, 2002
While the government has agreed on the proposal, which they hope will go in effect by January 2004, the decision needs to be made in the Parliament. Lobbyists, such as the Hotel and Restaurant Workers' Union have been positive to a total ban on smoking.
Høybråten cites positive experiences with similar bans imposed in several U.S. states, Australia, and New Zealand.
"It means a smoke free working environment for those who work in hotels and restaurants. It means that those who up to now have not been able to go out to eat because of allergic reactions, will now be able to do so", says Health Minister Dagfinn Høybråten to Norwegian broadcaster NRK.
"More people die from passive smoking every year than are killed in traffic accidents. Waiters and bartenders have a higher incidence of lung cancer than any other occupation," says Høybråthen.