Petition in Austria to halt plans to overturn smoking ban in pubs, restaurants

VIENNA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Two Austrian health organizations on Thursday launched a petition against plans by the federal government to overturn an upcoming ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants.

The Vienna Medical Chamber and Austrian Cancer Aid revealed their campaign titled "Don't Smoke" at a press conference here, and have begun collecting declarations of support for their petition across the country.

It requires 8,401 such supporters to enter into effect, and if 100,000 people subsequently sign it, it must be brought before the parliament.

The initial ban that had been a subject of deliberation in the country for many years had been decided upon in 2015, and was finally due to come into effect in May.

The far-right Freedom Party, who entered into power as part of a new coalition government in December, had been a proponent of overturning the ban. Coalition partner, the conservative People's Party, had initially voted in favor of the ban, but as part of the new government declared plans to overturn it.

Numerous other officials and health experts have also thrown their support behind the petition following its announcement. Enditem