Some clubs, bars and restaurants in Paphos are complaining that the newly applied anti- smoking laws are having a negative impact on their businesses. It's now illegal to smoke in a public covered area and some clubs are saying the law will finish them off in an already difficult economic climate.

Fitos Thrassivoulou the head of the restaurant owners' federation of Paphos explained that this is the reason behind recent calls to close all nightlife venues as a measure of their reaction. He concluded that many businessmen want changes to the current law which holds the venue primarily responsible for the smoker, imposing hefty fines or up to €2,000.Thrassivouliu said that the smoker should be responsible and held accountable for his actions in the first instance, and then the venue owner.