The Czech parliament approved a law restricting smoking in public places. Smoking will be completely banned in schools, government buildings, theatres, stadiums and other public places, but will not be forbidden in restaurants and bars. Restaurants will just be required to have special smoking places. If signed by the Senate and the president the restriction will apply as of January 1, 2006. The norm is slightly more permissive than the original proposed one. The ban on smoking in public places is in general negative for tobacco companies. However the news may be slightly positive for Philip Morris CR, as the market was expecting stricter smoking restrictions.