Seeing through the smoking ban

Dubai: Municipality has announced plans to ban smoking in all public parks in the next phase of its tobacco regulation campaign.

"People go to most places to be free of smoking - they want to go and be free of smoke and enjoy themselves," notes Ahmad Al Shammari, Acting Director of the Municipality's Public Health Department.

It's hard to argue with Al Shammari's logic.

What can be questioned, however, is the means of regulating a total ban in public parks. Perhaps the designation of smoking areas within the confines of parks might be more enforceable. Or at least allow some space for shisha users. Such areas can be isolated, away from playgrounds.

What's actually needed is a comprehensive non-smoking policy that's realistic. A ban, for example, on smoking in private vehicles where minors are being transported, should be considered.