Portugal could ban smoking near public buildings in October

Draft legislation also proposes restriction on sales with aim to be tobacco-free by 2040

The Portuguese government has announced draft legislation that would restrict tobacco sales and ban smoking in covered outdoor terraces and near schools, hospitals and sports venues in an attempt to create a smoke-free generation by 2040.

The health minister, Manuel Pizarro, said the proposals were intended to tackle tobacco use and not to punish smokers or business owners. This is a bill that takes firm steps towards promoting health and protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke," he said on Thursday.