Syria bans smoking in public places
19/10/2009
President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree banning smoking in a wide range of public places. The decree forbids smoking and the sale of tobacco in any form in
cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, schools, universities,
hospitals, public transport, cinemas, theatres and museums as well as in official meetings. It also bans the
favorite Mideast pastime — smoking water pipes — except in
well-ventilated and designated areas. Also outlawed are tobacco
advertising and the sale and import of sweets and toys modeled after
tobacco products. President Bashar Assad's decree, which will go into effect in six months, said that designated
smoking zones can be established in public places. Offenders will be fined 2,000 Syrian pounds — about $45.
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