Smoking ban comes into force in France and Germany

Berlin: A ban on smoking in bars in Germany and France came into force on Tuesday.

However, the laws will not be strictly enforced straight away in all places, with the German capital Berlin opting for a more lenient approach until the summer.

In France the ban on smoking in public places has now been extended to bars, cafes and hotels.

But the French are also allowing a 24 hour grace period because of the NewYear.

Smokers who light up in these places could face a 450 euro fine.