smoking or no-smoking?

Switzerland being the most democratic country in the world, its people are always asked to vote on one matter or the other. so back in March, the people of Geneva had to decide whether they wanted smoking banned from restaurants and coffee-shops. they'd voted yes. and some things being very efficient, the 1st of July marked the first smoke-free day around the city. and what a pleasure it was! coming home not smelling of cigarette smoke is really great. smokers had moved to the terraces, and owners were making plans for the winter (keeping their terrace, getting outdoor heating, etc).

and then, 'coup de theatre!', as we say in French. the federal government decided that there was a legal void on this issue and that banning smoking from one day to the next was not legal. that was the news yesterday morning, and by lunchtime, people had already started smoking indoors again, except in those places where the owners had decided to keep the ban on anyway - as they were allowed to. i hope lots of places keep the ban on!