Monday, Sep 23, 2013
Al Ain: Measures to stub out smoking in public places such as malls have been stepped up.
Inspectors will been on the look-out for people smoking in enclosed public places such as shopping malls, offices and coffee shops. The teams will visit such places on a daily basis. Smoking in public places is prohibited by law in the city.
Muta’ab Al Shamsi, director of public administration at Al Ain Municipality, said the teams would also educate people on the dangers of smoking and the diseases it can cause. They will also offer solutions to people wishing to kick the habit.
The drive, he said, is part of the municipality’s efforts to maintain environmental and community safety through the implementation of Federal Law No (15) 2009. The law bans the import of tobacco and its by-products into the country unless specific standard requirements accredited in the UAE are met.
The federal anti-smoking law also prohibits smoking on public transport. Under the provisions of the law, no licence will be issued to cafes or similar outlets that serve any types of tobacco or its products inside residential buildings or near them. Smoking is also banned in the car when in the company of a child under 12 years of age.
Al Shamsi said smoking is currently a widespread problem, especially among youngsters. They view it as a thrill without being aware of the risks. Tobacco smoke contains about 500 chemicals with different ratios depending on its type, including tar and carbon monoxide. It also contain nicotine, a highly toxic substance that seriously affects health.
Ahmad Sarhan, head of the law enforcement section at Al Ain Municipality, said offenders will receive a Dh500 on-the-spot fine. If the person continues to break the law, the case will be referred to court where the penalty could be a fine of between Dh3,000 and Dh10,000, he said.
He said the municipality had caught some 83 people smoking in violation of the law in 2011 and 72 in 2012. Some 30 people were referred to court in 2011 and 25 last year. Ahmad said the civic administration will launch several campaigns in the next phase. It also has plans to distribute leaflets and anti-smoking signs.
By Aftab Kazmi ?Bureau Chief
Gulf News 2013. All rights reserved.
