Residents fume as smoking banned in parks, near kids

Residents fume as smoking banned in parks, near kids
ROME (Reuters) - Naples brought in tough anti- smoking measures Monday, but not everyone was convinced Italians in a city famed for flouting the law would stop lighting up in parks or near pregnant women.

"However they try and enforce this, they will meet with laughter," local councilor Gennaro Capodanno commented on the ban on smoking at demonstrations, in parks, and near pregnant women or children under 12 in public.

Traditionally rebellious Neapolitans now risk a fine of up to 250 euros ($366). The city council tightened legislation after health reports found the risk of lung cancer to be "significantly" higher there than elsewhere in Italy.

Across the country smoking is forbidden in indoor public places such as offices, factories, bars and restaurants.

The southern city has the highest murder rate in Italy and its people routinely flout regulations accepted elsewhere, such as wearing a crash helmet when driving a moped.

One politician has proposed hiring special inspectors to enforce the new smoking ban but Capodanno was skeptical.

"How can they assess who's smoking too close? Do you need to use a tape measure? And how do we know if a kid is more than 12? Does he have to carry documents on him?" he said to La Stampa newspaper.