PRAGUE (AP) — A smoking ban in Czech bars, restaurants and cafes came into effect Wednesday, putting to an end the Czech Republic's status as one of the last havens for tobacco smokers in Europe.

The ban, which applies to inside areas of bars and restaurants as well as public places like cinemas, theaters and sports venues, was approved by Parliament following years of heated debate and signed by President Milos Zeman, a chain smoker.

Unlike most of Europe, Czechs had remained tolerant of smoking up till now — and it was up to restaurant owners to decide whether to allow it in their establishments.

According to data from the European Union, 17 member states have comprehensive smoke-free laws in place. But some, including Austria, Portugal, Romania and non-EU member Serbia, only have partial bans on indoor smoking in restaurants and bars.