VIENNA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- A petition to overturn Austrian government plans to lift an upcoming ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants has received over 200,000 signatures by Tuesday, local media reported.
The "Don't Smoke" campaign was started by two health-related organizations last Thursday, in a bid to keep the intended smoking ban in gastronomy-related establishments to have been imposed from May in place.
Once a petition has surpassed the 100,000-mark, it is to be brought before parliament for debate. The Austrian Medical Association has now however called for a referendum on the issue.
The Freedom Party, part of the governing coalition and main force behind the plans to lift the ban, has insisted on its stance, citing freedom of choice for individuals.
Pressure appears to be mounting on coalition partner, the conservative People's Party, who initially voted in favour of the ban under the former coalition government in 2015, with some calling for a clearer stance on the matter.
