UAE | Health

Smoking ban in Sharjah malls is breath of fresh air for shoppers

Residents welcomed the smoking ban that came into force in Sharjah on Sunday.

  • By Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 00:11 June 4, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • A smoker looks at a no-smoking sign before the ban on smoking in enclosed public places in Sharjah came into force on Sunday.
  • Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News

Sharjah: Residents welcomed the smoking ban that came into force in Sharjah on Sunday.

"I now feel that my child is safe in shopping centres. I used to be worried because children were very exposed to second-hand smoke. It was a common sight to see smokers in enclosed public areas," Lubna Kamil.

"It is about time that strict laws against smoking were introduced. As a non-smoker it is awful to be surrounded by smokers while having a meal," said Arif.

Although the move was welcomed by residents, several others called for restaurants and outlets to provide smoker-friendly environment to cater to their habits as they are currently not available in Sharjah.

"It is bad and I will probably start smoking in the car. I will stop sitting in coffee shops now and will not go out to restaurants that much as I used to because there is nowhere that I can smoke," said Hussam Abdu, who has been smoking for the past 15 years.

The smoking ban came into effect in Sharjah on Sunday prohibiting smokers from lighting up in enclosed public areas, including restaurants, cinemas and public transport.

"I will stop going to shopping centres. I don't go to places where I cannot smoke, and they should offer an outdoor-seated area because there are hardly any such facility in Sharjah now. I will stay a lot less time in the coffee shops. If I can't smoke anywhere then I won't go," said Hosni Mubarak.

Roselle Dy, said: "As a smoker I will have no option but to go outside even though I feel more comfortable smoking indoors and drinking at a coffee shop. But it is good because children will not be exposed to second-hand smoke."

A number of municipality inspectors are currently stationed at shopping centres and around commercial areas in Sharjah to ensure that the smoking ban is enforced, according to a spokesperson at Sharjah Municipality.

Residents are urged by Sharjah Municipality to call the hotline number 993 to report any violations.

If customers are caught smoking from now on, they will be fined Dh1,000 and the establishment will also be slapped with a fine of Dh10,000 for their first offence.

Second or more offences by establishments will bring about a fine of Dh20,000.

Do you think there should be dedicated smoking zones in shopping malls and other public areas? Or should it be banned completely? Do you think making retail outlets smoke-free zones will affect their sales? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.


Your comments


I have been living in Sharjah for the last 15 years and this is one thing that has made me feel good about the Sharjah Municipality. Smokers not only used to cause harm to themselves but also to the people surrounding them, so kudos to Sharjah Municipality for a great move finally!
Umair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 04, 2008, 11:33

It's a good decision but they must provide smokers with AC areas for smoking, the same as at the airports.
Mohamed
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 04, 2008, 11:24

When the smoking ban was introduced in the UK and in Germany, there was a dip in the number of customers who went to bars, cafes, and restaurants, but shortly afterward, the numbers rose again. People recognised the benefits. They no longer arrive home stinking of someone else's cigarette smoke. It deprives one of oxygen, and induces drowsiness, and eye irritation.
Roger
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 04, 2008, 11:13

Since January 2008 smoking was banned from all public places in Portugal. I smoke since long and now I am not going to coffee shops or restaurant where smoking is banned. If Non smokers have rights, WE the smokers should have our rights too
Ana Rahba
Lisbon,Portugal
Posted: June 04, 2008, 10:02

I happen to be a heavy smoker, but it is a good idea to ban smoking in public places. With the aroma and air conditioning, one does not feel the pollution, but it harms one's health unknowingly. In Sri Lanka smoking is prohibited even on streets.
Muhammad
Colombo,Sri Lanka
Posted: June 04, 2008, 09:06

Although am not a smoker I definitely empathies with smokers. I have spoke aloud in support to smokers in India. Very simple if so much of hue and cry about smoking why not set enclosed smoking zones almost everywhere and then expect smokers to adhere to the rules. I am against a total ban.
sunil
chennai,India
Posted: June 04, 2008, 08:50

I welcome this new development and think other emirates should follow suit. As written on the packs - tobbaco (smoking) is dangerous to our health. We opted not to smoke; why then are we forced to consume the smoke from smokers?
Isoken
Dubai,U.A.E
Posted: June 04, 2008, 08:22

This is a very bright and healthy idea that hopefully Abu Dhabi will also embrace because malls used to be the hide-outs of families. It is very unhealthy when you see people smoke and you breathe, the danger of smoking does not only diminishes the health of the smokers but also diminishes the health of non smokers around him through secondhand smoking.
Vron
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 04, 2008, 08:20

This is very good step from Sharjah Government. One thing that bothers me is that, If Smoking is banned inside Shopping Malls / restaurants then why not at the entrances. We find lots of people smoking at the entrance of shopping malls / restaurants.Earlier there were designated areas in all places, now smokers are out on the gate welcoming all non-smokers to lung cancer.
Kasim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 04, 2008, 07:45

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