Lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party voiced forceful opposition Thursday to the health ministry's attempt to ban smoking in public facilities, throwing a wrench into Japan's battle against second-hand smoke.
"More than 90 percent" of the LDP lawmakers who attended a meeting of its health and welfare panel slammed the draft proposal unveiled by the ministry last October, with some calling it "too radical," panel director Naomi Tokashiki said.
The draft called for banning smoking in schools, hospitals, municipal offices, restaurants and other public areas.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.