Socialising with the Austrians 67are close to the body and never put on the table. While
pausing to drink or talk during a meal, put one piece of
silverware on either side of the plate facing downward. Close
your mouth when chewing, and please, no slurping while
eating soup. Only take what you can eat. When the meal
is finished, the knife and fork are put together on the right
side of the plate.
Smoking
Austria has one of the highest numbers of smokers in Europe
and this is obvious as one walks down the city streets.
Happily, changes have come to pass. Smoking is now not
allowed in public places such as the airports, train stations,
schools, universities, government administration buildings
and on public transport, including trains, trams and buses
(the offence carries a fine). Recently, a new law was passed
in July 2010, whereby restaurants and bars that are smaller
than 50 square metres have to choose between becoming a
smokers’ facility or a non-smoking area. If the law is violated,
Austrian gastronomy bosses face fines of up to €10,000.
Venues that are bigger than 50 square metres must provide
non-smoking rooms.