Smoking ban comes into effect

Anti-smoking law applied in public buildings and transport, and in restaurants from September

Smoking in closed public spaces is officially banned from today (June 15). “The anti-smoking law shall, from now on, be applied in closed public spaces and public utilities,” the Ministry of Public Health said in a statement.

Special inspectors will ensure compliance with the provisions of the law, the ministry said.

The law, which calls for a complete ban of smoking in all enclosed public places, was adopted in August last year. It was first enforced on tobacco manufacturers, who have been prohibited from running any kind of ad campaigns or sponsorship for their products since March.

The ban will now be imposed on medical, educational, and sports institutions, as well as in all public work spaces, such as corridors, staircases, waiting rooms, and kitchens.

Owners of tourist establishments and restaurants were given one year to comply. Which means smoking will not be banned in restaurants until September.

The anti-smoking law has said heavy fines will be imposed on violators. Any smoker in a closed public place, such as a restaurant, will pay a fine equal to 20 percent of the minimum wage ($450) or $90, while the restaurant owner will pay a fine ranging from $700 to $2,000. In the event the violation is repeated, violators could be sent to jail.

Reported by Hanadi Chami