Bermuda bans smoking in bars and restaurants

HAMILTON, Bermuda (Reuters) – A smoking ban in Bermuda’s bars and restaurants began on Saturday with drinkers who sneak an illegal puff eventually facing fines of $250.

The ban also covers shops and other enclosed public places in the mid-Atlantic British territory, although there will be no prosecutions until October because of a six-month grace period to allow people to get used to the new law.

Repeat offenders will face fines of $1,000 in Bermuda, a popular holiday destination and major offshore financial center.

The anti-smoking law also bans the advertising of tobacco at sporting events, the installation of cigarette vending machines and the sale of cigarettes to people under 18.