By a vote of 76 to 16, the Armenian National Assembly approved a government sponsored bill that will gradually ban smoking in eateries, cafes and other indoor public spaces in the country.

The bill will amend the Law on the Reduction and Prevention of Health Damage Due to Tobacco Products and Their Substitutes.

The ban on smoking in restaurants and cafes goes into effect in March 2022.

Individuals will also be prohibited from smoking while driving cars or buses. In addition, the bill imposes a blanket ban on any form of tobacco advertising.

Indoor smoking will be punishable by fines ranging from AMD 50,000 (US$105) to AMD 200,000.

Bright Armenia faction MPs voted against the bill, argiung it would hurt local businesses.