Great news from someone I know who lives in Italy. A new law was passed, and it is working, at least in the Lucca area. The restaurants have become genuinely smoke-free. I would be interested in knowing if this has happened all over Italy. If you have been in Italy since february 1, have you found the restaurants to be smoke-free?

Yes, this came into force in January. I've made two trips to Italy since then and it's being rigorously enforced in ALL bars, restaurants and public areas of hotels.

Really? That's great!

I also read on the TrenItalia Web site that all trains are smoke-free. Is this true? I still have nightmares about a smokey train trip between Berlin and Prague that left with a nasty headache and quesy stomach, so this would be lovely news.

Yes, the trains are smoke free too!

I just wonder about the cafes/bars in small towns and villages in southern Italy. I would imagine they are not entirely smokefree. But not places that the average tourist would go to anyway.

for restaurants, check the info at

www.smokefreeworld.com

Wow! This is the best news I've heard since Snowbird opened up the Mineral Basin!

Grazie, Italia!

I just returned from Italy,as far south as Naples,as far north as Venice and not a cigarette in sight(not indoors,anyway) Those poor smokers are standing outside,puffing away,just like the American tobacco refugees. People are allowed to smoke at the outdoor tables,however,so these are de facto smoking sections. One guy came into a bar (what we would call a cafe) with a lit cigarette,and the guy working there freaked out and pushed him right out!