After holding out to be one of the few remaining EU countries with no prohibitions on smoking, a law put into effect on November 15th, 2010 finally limited smoking in public places. Smoking is now completely banned in Poland on public transport, transport stops and stations, schools and universities, workplaces, sports arenas and other places where the public gather. Owners are obliged to place a clear and visible ‘No Smoking’ sign and anyone caught smoking by either the police or local city guards (Straż Miejska) is supposedly subject to a 500zł fine.

However, in the case of bars, clubs, restaurants and other public places, the law states that there can be a separate room for smokers as long as it is properly ventilated and closed off from the other public areas. In response to the controversial legislation, many owners have exercised their right to create a small smoking room, however others have made the majority of their establishment smoker-friendly with only a small area set aside for non-smokers. As such, while smoking in public places in Poland has been greatly reduced, it still continues in some places.

On our website, it's even easier to determine which venues have a designated space for smokers. On the main Cafes, Restaurants and Nightlife chapter pages, click 'Show all' below 'Our most popular categories' and then choose 'Smoking place' from the Amenities menu to sort the desired results.

Also bear in mind that 'Smoking place' only applies to indoors. Smoking is still allowed in gardens and outdoor seating areas, so it is safe to assume that you can smoke comfortably in any of the venues that display when you select 'Outside seating' from the Amenities menu.