Swiss vote in referendum to tighten smoking ban

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Swiss citizens voted in a referendum on Sunday on whether to strengthen a smoking ban in indoor workplaces and public spaces, with opponents decrying the move as a "witchhunt".

Polls showed the country deeply divided on the eve of the referendum over the move which aimed at clearing up confusion about the current legislation.

In the latest survey published last week 52 per cent opposed the initiative, against 41 per cent in favour and seven percent undecided.

Switzerland introduced a federal ban on smoking in enclosed workplaces and public spaces more than two years ago, but the law allowed for a number of exceptions and has been applied unevenly across the country's 26 cantons.

Some businesses call the move "a witch-hunt, a hygienism pushed to extremes", according to Laurent Terlinchamp, president of Geneva's association of cafe owners, restaurateurs and hoteliers.