The List: The Next Countries to Kick the Habit

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Costa Rica

Current regulations: As of May 1995, smoking has been banned in non-university educational institutions and some workplaces.

The new plan: ban smoking in enclosed public places, limit advertising, and improve warning labels

Smoking rate: men, 27%; women, 7%

Since 2003, legislators in Costa Rica have failed to ratify the World Health Organizations Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international road map for reducing the supply and demand of tobacco through legislation. Frustrated by the quagmire, Health Minister Mara Luisa vila has vowed to make it happen through executive orders, saying, If we cant go in through the living room, then well go in through the kitchen. The Costa Rican Ministry of Health announced a zero tolerance policy on smoking in public places slated to go into effect within two months. The ban seeks to eliminate smoking sections in malls and restaurants. In separate legislation, the Health Ministry wants to ban the sale of packs of five cigarettes as it views the cheaper quantity as geared toward poorer youths. Packs of 10 and 20 will still be allowed, however.

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Netherlands

Current regulations: As of January 1, 2004, smoking has been banned in workplaces and on public transportation. Regulations also exist for educational institutions and healthcare facilities.

The new plan: ban tobacco smoking in bars, restaurants, and coffee shops

Smoking rate: men, 38%; women, 29%

The Netherlands successfully banned smoking in some public places in 2004, but bars and restaurants slipped by until a national consensus could be reached. One key sticking point? Marijuana. More than 60 percent of Netherlanders surveyed in 2007 opposed a ban on smoking in coffee shops, with some fearing as much as a 15 percent decline in business if such a measure were enacted. Now, as of July 1, the smoking of tobacco products will be banned in certain areas of eating establishments, with restaurants and cafes being encouraged to make separate smoking sections. Smoking marijuana will still be allowed in coffee shops.

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Czech Republic

Current regulations: As of 2006, smoking has been banned in government facilities, non-university educational institutions, and some indoor workplaces.

The new plan: include bars and restaurants in the ban

Smoking rate: men, 36%; women, 23%

The Czech Parliament rejected a smoking-ban bill in March and sent it back to the lower house for discussion. It is slated for discussion in the coming weeks and could take many forms. Sixty percent of the public supports a smoking ban in bars and restaurants, but those in the restaurant and bar industries worry about the effect on their businesses. President Vaclav Klaus opposes public smoking bans and claims the threat doesnt justify limit[ing] human freedom in this way.

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Switzerland

Current regulations: Since 1993, there have been partial restrictions in some indoor workplaces and government facilities. Cigarette companies have been given until the end of 2009 to implement pictorial health warnings on packaging.

The new plan: So far, it has been up to individual cantons to decide.

Smoking rate: men, 29%; women, 20%

Switzerland has signed, but not yet ratified, the WHOs FCTC. There is talk of legislating a national ban, but some fear it wont line up with local ordinances. So far, six of 26 cantons have passed smoking legislation of varying strictness. Geneva and Ticino have approved total public bans, whereas in Valais, a smoking ordinance was passed, but irate campaigners are gathering signatures for a referendum to repeal it. The Valaisans might be getting ideas from neighboring Germany, where three states have backpedaled on previously enacted smoking bans.

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China

Current regulations: In non-university educational institutions, smoking is restricted to designated areas.

The new plan: a ban in public places (Beijing); an indoor ban (Shanghai); a complete ban at schools nationwide (kindergarten through high school)

Smoking rate: men, 61%; women, 4%

Home to a third of the worlds smokers, China is working fast to build antismoking momentum ahead of the Olympic Games. The government has banned smoking in taxis, and the Health Ministry has issued a series of directives, from a ban on smoking areas in educational facilities to a stern message that [a]ll teaching and administrative staff are vigorously encouraged to quit smoking. Government employees have also been discouraged from accepting or offering cigarettes in social settings. Cities are following the central governments lead. In March, Beijing announced that as of May, smoking in public, including in government offices and on public transportation, will be prohibited. And in Shanghai, 10 hospitals recently enacted smoking bans. The city is planning to toughen its antismoking ordinances ahead of the 2010 World Expo. Not only will Shanghai residents not be able to smoke in many indoor places, but they will also have to resist the urge to light up on the citys crowded streets.