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A view of Stockholm, capital of Sweden. Hermes Images / AGF / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Since 1 August 2019, Sweden has passed a law making it one of the strictest countries for smokers. The ban on smoking inside bars and restaurants was extended to the terraces, but also to many outdoor places where smokers still thought they were safe.

From our correspondent in Stockholm , Frédéric Faux

In this country where discipline is second nature, the measure was applied overnight. Without transition. " This is a good measure, rejoices a resident of Stockholm. It's very boring when people smoke next to you and send smoke to your face or plate when you eat . " " I also think it's good, " adds his companion.

This couple sharing a meal on the terrace of a Stockholm restaurant does not hide its satisfaction. Since August 1st, plus a smoker on the horizon. The same clean air is supposed to float at the entrance of public buildings, shops, hospitals, on sports fields or children's playgrounds, on train platforms and around bus shelters.

Tourists hard to convince

The Swedes, as zealous citizens, are there to remind the rule to the forgetful. The police are watching. But she has not yet had the opportunity to intervene at Rikard, restaurant manager, whose beautiful terrace overlooking the station. " We put signs forbidden to smoke, we took out all the ashtrays. If you see someone smoking they are told to stop or leave the terrace to get away from fifteen meters. There has been a big campaign about these new rules so people know that now it's illegal. If the customers do not respect these rules, we must expel them from the restaurant . "

And this summer, in the opinion of many servers, the hardest to convince are the tourists. Ignoring generally these new rules, they discover them very quickly as soon as they light their first cigarette.