Breath of Fresh Air

From then, it will be forbidden to light up in stations, trains and taxis as well as in all federal administration buildings, except in designated smoking corners, under the new bill approved by the
Bundestag or lower house of parliament.

Those who do so, will risk a fine of up to 1,000 euros ($1,345).

The ban still has to be approved by the upper house of parliament which represents Germany 16 states to become law.

The bill also raises the legal age limit for buying tobacco from 16 years to 18.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democrats said it represents "a milestone for health protection."

Next step in ending smoker's paradise

Germany has long been regarded as a smoker's paradise in Europe because of its lax legislation but is gradually coming in line with trends on the rest of the continent.

Ireland, Italy, Malta, Norway and Spain have banned smoking in bars, restaurants and public places, while Britain and France have also passed laws or decrees banning smoking in designated areas.

In February, Germany's 16 states agreed to a limited smoking ban in restaurants and cafes but left a wide berth for regions to create loopholes.