In Singapore, the first ban came into effect in October 1970 and covered restaurants.
Over time, the law expanded areas that must be smoke-free, including bus interchanges and shelters, public swimming complexes, all entertainment outlets, and public toilets.
After July 2007, enforcement of the ban became the responsibility of outlet owners, though the law allowed for the construction of designated smoking rooms in about 10 per cent of total indoor spaces, or outdoor smoking areas that did not exceed 20 per cent of the outdoor refreshment areas.
On January 1, 2009, Singapore authorities extended the ban to all children’s playgrounds, exercise areas, markets, underground and multi-storey car-parks, ferry terminals and jetties.
Non-air conditioned areas in offices, factories, shops, shopping complexes and lift lobbies, were all added to the list of spots that were smoke-free.
A November 2010 proposal, which was under discussion, anticipated the gradual phasing out of tobacco in Singapore.
Along with the ban, authorities imposed fines on those who broke the law, ranging from S$200 (Dh592.303) up to a maximum of S$1000 if convicted in court. Similar fines applied to outlets and their managers.
The UAE Ministry of Health officials introduced a smoking ban in 2007, targeting cafes and restaurants and, over the years, honed the law to limit the importation of tobacco.
Still, outlets located in residential buildings and areas, which either allowed smoking, served shisha pipes or both, received a grace period of two years to relocate their businesses or prohibit smoking altogther.
The law provided for the designation of smoking areas for non-residential restaurants, hotels, cafes, shopping malls and other enclosed public spaces. During the past few years, new legislation coordinated with other GCC countries imposed warnings on tobacco products, and actually banned publication of promotional materials that urged consumers to smoke or even advertised tobacco products.
