Cigarette sales in Italy have dropped by 23 percent since the government imposed a ban on smoking in public places earlier this month, a tobacco vendors association said on Thursday.
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“This data is very worrying for tobacco vendors. Although they understand the spirit of the law and the need to teach citizens about their health, vendors are seeing their profits fall drastically,” Assotabaccai-Confesercenti Chairman Maurizio Bruni said in a statement.
The law came into effect on Jan. 10 and bans smoking in the public areas of restaurants, bars, offices and factories. It aims to end passive smoking and deter a habit health officials say kills 90,000 Italians a year.
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Trade association Confcommercio has said it plans to challenge the law in court because it drives away customers from restaurants and puts pressure on cafe owners who face a fine of up to 2,200 euros ($2,849) for failing to enforce the ban.
Bruni threatened similar action if the drop in sales was confirmed by more extensive data at the end month.














