Smoking back in bars in Netherlands

The Netherlands has become the first European country to overturn an unpopular smoking ban imposed on bars and cafes.

The authorities are to amend legislation to allow smokers to light up again in small owner-operated bars which are less than 70sq m in size and have no other staff.

Bowing to resistance and claims the 2-year-old ban was driving small pubs out of business, an incoming coalition Government has also cancelled 280 fines levied during a campaign of civil disobedience by smokers and bar-owners.

The relaxation of the smoking ban will cover more than 2000 bars, many of which had been in open defiance of the law.

Wiel Maessen, the leader of an anti-ban protest group representing 1250 small bars, said: "I lit an extra cigarette when I heard the news. But the fight will not be over until the ban is lifted for all pubs."