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.