The legislation prohibiting smoking in all educational and health institutions, with the exception of psychiatric hospitals and wards gave a six-month period of adjustment for coffee shops, bars and restaurants where a complete ban on smoking takes effect on 6 May.
Every individual who does not abide by the smoking ban may be fined with HRK 1,000, while the owner of a cafe, bar or restaurant who allows smoking will have to pay a fine ranging from HRK 500 to 1,000. Penalties for legal persons breaking this law range from HRK 5,000 to 15,000. The implementation of the law will be monitored by health, educational and labour inspectors and the State Inspectorate.
The law is in accordance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which Croatia has signed.
It is also one of the benchmarks set for closing the "Consumer and Health Protection" chapter in Croatia's European Union accession negotiations.