Netherlands postpones smoking ban in restaurants and theatres

Plans to ban smoking in Dutch restaurants and cafes have been postponed indefinitely, after health minister Hans Hoogervorst agreed to let the hotel and catering industry draw up its own plans to protect employees from cigarette smoke. Theatres, concert halls, and pop music venues are also indefinitely exempted.

The move marks a shift from the tough antismoking policy of former health minister Els Borst. She backed the changes in the tobacco law …