Sunday, Sep 21, 2008
Abu Dhabi: The number of shisha smokers has increased in cafes and Ramadan tents during the month, literally smoking out non-smokers.
Shisha is currently served in cafes (indoors and outdoors) that have been licensed by the Department of Planning and Economy before January 1, 2006.
According to a source from the legal department, shisha is banned in any cafe that has opened after that date.
"A new regulation is under process to serve shisha in certain designated areas, and the same goes for smoking cigarettes. We cannot ban smoking in public areas, but can help regulate the matter. Departments are currently meeting to discuss this issue and a regulation should be made by the end of the year," said the official.
Layla Mustafa, a Palestinian resident in Abu Dhabi feels the decision to ban shisha in new cafes is a 'bad idea'. She says: "I smoke shisha with friends during Ramadan and demand is higher than supply; and with that ban in place existing shisha venues are crammed with smokers all in one room, which doesn't make it an enjoyable experience anymore."
Zaher Joumblatt, 33, administration manager, smokes shisha during Ramadan. "Shisha is a cultural habit, even students smoke shisha and surprisingly I see some girls smoking midwakh (strong tobacco smoked through a small Arabian pipe) indoors. For that reason it's hard to ban shisha indoors but certain factors should be controlled, such as the number of shisha's served according to the cafes size, ventilation, and type of venue," said Joumblatt while enjoying his shisha in the open air.
Lucille Chapman, 25, has been smoking shisha for the past two years. "Shisha is not only an Arabic habit; I was smoking shisha when I was living in France too. Banning shisha is not a solution. Certain health aspects must be enforced to ensure that non-smokers don't suffer, shisha smokers don't suffocate and children and families don't become passive smokers. I also feel sorry for shisha waiters who have to inhale all this smoke on a daily basis, there must be some sort of protection or plan for these individuals," she added.
Engineer Omar Al Hashimi, Division Manager Municipal Offices at the Abu Dhabi Municipality, told Gulf News that creating stricter laws regulating the usage of shisha and smoking will help people cut down on the habit. "I don't think there's going to be any other way to help people cut down on shisha smoking and cigarettes and hope the government's plan works out. It may be tough for people in the beginning, but the end result will help protect people's health," he stressed.
"Even though I enjoy shisha smoking, I have no issues if it is banned. Banning shisha will encourage people like me to quit the habit or lessen it."
Ameen's 16-year-old brother feels more campaigns should be held at schools.
"I personally don't smoke, but all my friends do, and they could be as young as 13 or 14 years. There should be more health campaigns, awareness sessions and stricter regulations in schools regarding smoking," said the pupil.
Gulf News 2008. All rights reserved.
