UAE | Health
Smoking ban violation attracts Dh1,000 fine
Fines for smokers who light up in no-smoking areas have been revised to Dh1,000 from the earlier Dh500, said a senior official on Thursday.
- By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Reporter
- Published: 20:35 December 13, 2007
Dubai: Fines for smokers who light up in no-smoking areas have been revised to Dh1,000 from the earlier Dh500, said a senior official on Thursday.
"We have sent a proposal to the legal department to revise fines for violators [of] smoking regulations set by the Dubai Municipality," said Salem Bin Mesmar, Director of the Public Health Department at the Municipality.
The fines for individuals may range from Dh1,000 to Dh8,000 while establishments may face fines from Dh10,000 to Dh80,000 for not adhering to smoking regulations, he said.
"Our main aim is not to impose fines but to help society accept the change because it is good for their health," Bin Mesmar said.
The municipality yesterday also announced implementation of the third phase of its campaign to regulate smoking.
"Smoking will be regulated in hotels, motels, furnished apartments, dormitories and resorts with effect from January 15," he said.
The civic body has completed two phases to regulate smoking in shopping malls from September 15 while smoking ban rules were introduced for restaurants and cafés from November 18.
"It is a huge plan and will be implemented in phases," he said. Curbs on tobacco advertisements, import and sale will also be enforced in future in cooperation with various government departments, he said.
"We have prepared guidelines based on the best practices in USA, Canada, Europe and Australia," said Zahoor Al A Sabbagh, Head of Clinic and Community Health Section at the Municipality.
She said the guide would offer general instructions on dos and don'ts to the management of public facilities, where smoking has been regulated.
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