Saturday, Sep 15, 2007
Gulf News
Dubai: Shopping malls become smoke-free today, with the authority to refer smokers who flout the smoking ban to the police and municipality officials.
Under the regulations set by Dubai Municipality, smoking in shopping malls is prohibited except at designated smoking areas, which have to be approved by the municipality's Clinic and Community Health section. Malls also have to post notices and have staff on hand to inform their patrons of the smoking ban.
Sabina Khandwani, head of public relations and marketing at BurJuman Centre, told Gulf News the mall is ready to enforce the regulations.
"Our security will guide and inform smokers to the designated smoking areas. ... [if a dispute breaks out] the mall is authorised to refer cases to the police or Dubai Municipality," she said. "It's Ramadan ... people will work with the rules."
However, mall executives are unsure how to enforce the regulations for restaurants and cafes in the malls.
Tom Miles, senior retail general manager at Dubai Festival City, told Gulf News: "If the seating is enclosed [at mall restaurants and cafes] in their own space, then government has to do the regulation for that."
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
