On August 1st, Bavaria will introduce the 4th version of its no smoking law in 2 years. The text has been agreed by the ruling CSU/FDP.

The most important changes are:

- more protection of minors from passive smoking

- less protection for serving staff from passive smoking

- smoking is officially allowed in more public places

The provisions of the latest law are:

- smoking is allowed in beer, wine and festival tents used only temporarily and at changing locations, as well as in fixed halls used as locations for village festivals and major events

- places serving mainly drinks, less than 75m2 in size and without a separate room for smoking, will be able to allow smoking provided that there is a clear sign at the entrance that this is an establishment which allows smoking. Minors (under 18) are not allowed in these establishments.

- establishments and leisure facilities with multiple room can allow smoking in one completely separate side room, clearly marked as such, and no minors are allowed into that room.

- discos and similar can allow smoking in a side room provided the room does not have a dance floor and children and minors are not allowed in. The room must be clearly marked as a smoking room.

- smoking clubs (a device used to get around the previous version of the law) are no longer allowed. Smoking is only allowed at completely private parties such as family events.

Public buildings, buildings for children and young people, all educational establishments, health facilities, sports facilities and airports remain smoke free.