Hong Kong: Imposed a ban on smoking in all indoor workplaces, as well as restaurants, parks and beaches. However, bars, nightclubs and mahjong parlours are exempt until 2009.

Belgium: A new law came into effect banning smoking in restaurants and other places where food is served, but it is allowed in bars, cafes, etc. These places must have ventilation installed as long as they are at least 50 sq metres in area. Smoking in offices was already banned.

Lithuania: Smoking is banned in bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs and discotheques. Smoking in other public places will be banned from January 1, 2008.

FEBRUARY

France: Smoking is not allowed in most public places including schools, hospitals and youth centres. A wider ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and hotels will begin in 2008.

APRIL

Wales: The second country in the UK to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces.

Northern Ireland: Smokers pay fine if they light up in pubs, offices and other indoor public places after a smoking ban came into force.

MAY

Portugal: Parliament approves a law banning smoking in almost all indoor public places.

Dubai: A ban on smoking in government buildings, schools and colleges is the first step in a plan to prohibit smoking throughout the Gulf Arab trade and tourism hub by the end of 2009.

JUNE

Finland & Iceland: Both countries ban smoking in restaurants, cafes and bars. Estonia starts a ban on smoking in bars, restaurants, coffee shops and nightclubs.

JULY

England: A smoking ban in public places comes into effect in 2008.

Australia: A smoking ban has been imposed at pubs and clubs in the two most populous states, New South Wales and Victoria.

AUGUST

Germany: Lower Saxony and Baden-Wuerttemberg in the west and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in the east are the first states to ban smoking in public places.

Denmark: Implements a ban on smoking in restaurants, bars, public transport and private and public workplaces.