January 02, 2008	Wednesday	Zilhaj 22, 1428

PARIS, Jan 1: Smokers took advantage of a one-day grace period and savoured their last cigarettes over morning coffee in cafes across France as a ban against lighting up in bars and restaurants took effect on Tuesday.

French officials said they would not enforce the new measure – aimed at clearing the air in France’s notoriously hazy cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs – until on Wednesday.

At Cafe Au Depart in Paris, the mood was decidedly downbeat.

“It’s the end of a way of life,” said David Fossey, 32, stubbing out a cigarette.

Jean-Pierre Aiglement, 55, enjoying a cup of coffee before his shift waiting tables at the Au Depart, said he wouldn’t be “chased out onto the sidewalk.”

“I’ll smoke where I please,” he said.

Under the measure, smokers like Aiglement caught lighting up inside face a $93 fine, while owners who turn a blind eye to smoking in their establishments risk a $198 fine.

Some say the ban will force restaurant staff into the uncomfortable role of enforcers and predict a drop in business from smokers who like to light up over coffee and drinks or after a meal.

Smoking was prohibited last year in France’s workplaces, schools, airports, hospitals and other “closed and covered” public places such as train stations.—AP