Norway county rules smoking a basic right

(April 15, 2004)

A county in central Norway has ruled smoking in the workplace is a basic human right, after rejecting a ban on council employees.

Since January 1, municipal employees in the town of Levanger have been banned from smoking during work hours, both on or off town property, and even when they are on breaks, business trips abroad or travelling in their own cars on business.

However, three members of Levanger's council appealed against the municipal by-law, and regional officials found it violated citizens' right to a private life as defined by the European Convention on Human Rights.

Despite the county ruling, Norway is set to impose a ban on smoking in public places on June 1.