Switzerland joined Romania, the Czech Republic and Germany as one of the handful of European countries to reject a rigorous ban on smoking in all enclosed public places, after voters rejected the idea in a national referendum.
With returns from all 26 cantons counted, the proposal for a nationwide smoking ban was overwhelmingly rejected by 66 per cent of voters.
Otto Brandlii, a doctor and pulmonary specialist for the anti-smoking initiative, bitterly criticised the outcome, saying it would help the major tobacco companies, which have chosen to base their European headquarters in Switzerland. He said the result meant that thousands would continue to be exposed to smoke at work.
However, Joachim Eder, a liberal free Democrat politician and supporter of the "No" campaign, welcomed the result, saying that it provided a firm basis for existing laws to continue.
Only eight of Switzerland's 26 cantons have enforced a ban on smoking in public places, including bars and restaurants, while the remaining apply smoking controls less restrictively and allow special smoking rooms known as "fumoirs" which are staffed.
