Implementation of Smoking Ban Rulebook in FBiH Begins in Mid-December, Guidelines Provided to Inspectors

(Patria) - The FBiH Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs organized a one-day consultation dedicated to the implementation of the new Law on Control and Limited Use of Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Other Smoking Products and the Rulebook on Conditions for Special Smoking Areas as Exceptions to the Smoking Ban.

The event gathered representatives of cantonal inspection bodies, providing them with necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of these legal solutions, which bring significant changes for hospitality facility owners, as well as for the general public.

The new law strictly prohibits smoking in all enclosed public spaces, including hospitality facilities, workplaces and public transport.

This ban covers tobacco and herbal smoking products, hookahs and water pipes. The use of tobacco heating technology is not prohibited.

The aim of the consultation is to provide insight into relevant legal provisions, as well as clear guidelines from the Rulebook that explain in more detail the exceptions to the smoking ban, and to exchange experiences and information from the field and practice.

Mirsad Jašarspahić, President of the FBiH Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of hospitality operators adapting to the new legal frameworks.

- Owners of hospitality facilities are obliged to align their operations with the provisions of the Rulebook within six months. To facilitate this process, we have launched an information campaign and a series of educational content for representatives of the Horeca sector. Equally important are the inspection bodies, under whose vigilant supervision the process is taking place - said Jašarspahić.



One of the key provisions of the Rulebook concerns the obligation to physically separate smoking areas in hospitality facilities larger than 50 square meters, which must be equipped with adequate ventilation and air filtration systems.

In smaller facilities serving only beverages, smoking may be allowed, provided the spaces are properly ventilated.

Ivana Prvulović, Director of the Federal Administration for Inspection Affairs, highlighted the Administration's commitment to provide maximum contribution and dedication to the application and supervision of legislation that has a huge impact on health, through this consultation and future cooperation and coordination with cantonal inspection bodies.

- This Law is not just a legal framework, but also an important tool for protecting health and improving the quality of life. Its implementation has direct consequences on reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and promoting healthier lifestyles, and the role of inspectors is crucial in ensuring consistent and effective enforcement of prescribed measures - said Prvulović.

She expressed hope that the consultation will provide inspectors with useful information and resolve any dilemmas, enabling them to confidently face the challenges this Law brings.

Until the start of the implementation of the Rulebook on December 13, 2024, inspection supervision will be advisory, with the aim of making hospitality operators adapt to the new regulations as efficiently as possible.

Monetary fines for violations range from 2,000 to 5,000 BAM for legal entities, and from 300 to 1,000 BAM for responsible individuals.

The consultation concluded with a call from Jašarspahić and Prvulović for active cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure the process of adapting to the new legal provisions proceeds as successfully as possible.