Croatia begins enforcing a ban on smoking in most indoor areas on Wednesday. Smoking will be limited in restaurants and cafes in a move supported by healthcare authorities but opposed by owners of the establishments.

A law passed by the Croatian Parliament in December limits smoking in indoor public places but permits owners to design special premises for smokers. In establishments where some smoking will be allowed, no food or drinks could be served, the Vecernji List daily said Tuesday. Smoking will be allowed in open-air terraces and sidewalk cafes.

Smokers caught in cafes, restaurants and bars face a fine of 1,000 kuna (GBP 180), while operators tolerating obstinate smokers may have to pay up to 15,000 (GBP 1825).

The comprehensive ban sets in as a six-month transition period since the law on smoking was passed expires. Some areas, such as schools and hospitals, were declared smoke-free already last year.

There is an exemption from the rule - Croatian law allows smoking in psychiatric hospitals. Doctors explained that mentally ill smokers could become agitated without their nicotine fill.

Croatian caterers worry the ban would hurt their business and point to Slovenia, where restaurant and bar owners reportedly recorded a 30-50 per cent decline since ostracizing smokers.

An estimated 25-30 per cent of Croatia's 4.5 million people smoke.