Sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products in Italy rose by 1.1 percent last year following a sharp drop in 2005, local media reported on Monday.

According to reports in the Tobacco Observatory Newsletter, over 1 million kg more tobacco was sold in 2006 after sales had dropped by more than 10 million kg in 2003-2005 due to rising prices and the smoking ban.

The increase in 2006 was a result of many factors, including the warm autumn, which meant smokers were able to go outside for a drag more often, and a general increase in consumer confidence, the report said.

Italy's anti-smoking legislation took effect on Jan. 10, 2005, and was designed primarily to protect nonsmokers from the dangers of passive smoking.

It has just about barred all smoking in cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs. Any establishment wishing to cater for smokers must set up separate rooms with automatically closing doors and smoke extractors. Smoking is banned from all work places too.

Earlier this month, the government announced a new anti-smoking campaign. Once approved, the government will provide incentives to companies which offer programs to help their employees kick the habit, slap heavier fines on those who continue to smoke at their work place and grant tax deductions for the purchase of anti-smoking products.

Source: Xinhua