Draft law proposes fine upto QR3,000 for smoking in closed public places
The Advisory Council approved the draft anti-tobacco law that stipulates stricter punishment for smoking in closed public places, reported The Peninsula.
The draft law has stipulated stricter measures to curb the import and use of tobacco products and its derivatives and a ban on electronic cigarettes, “sweika” and other chewing tobacco.
The Council in its weekly regular meeting discussed a report of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee on the draft law and decided to submit its recommendations to the Cabinet.
The draft law bans smoking in closed public places and stipulates fines not exceeding QR3,000 for smoking or using tobacco products and their derivatives in such areas.
Permitting others to smoke in such places is also an offence punishable with a similar fine. The court can order confiscation, destroying or re-exporting of tobacco products and their derivatives, seized for violating the law, irrespective of the quantity.
The court can also order closure of a shop violating the law for a period not exceeding three months, and the decision must be published in two daily newspapers on the expense of the erring outlet.
Five percent of the customs fees on tobacco products will be allocated for health awareness programmes.
Importers of cigarettes and other tobacco products and their derivatives must inform the Ministry of Public Health in a written form at least one week before arrival of the shipment for checking whether they fulfil the required specifications.
The draft law bans import of such products without a written permission from the authorities concerned.
And the Minister of Public Health will issue a decision on the permitted quantity of nicotine in cigarettes. Each packet or box of cigarette and other tobacco products must carry the expiry date and graphic warnings about the harmful effects of using such products.
The draft law stipulates a ban on import, trading, promoting or selling of chewing tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
It bans sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to those aged below 18 years. Advertisements for promoting cigarettes and other tobacco products are not allowed, as per the draft law. Selling such products in areas at a distance of less than 1km from schools and other educational and training institutions will also be banned.
Courtesy: thepeninsulaqatar.com
The big thing is, the people who smoke is already screwing their lives but they are also putting in danger the lives of their family members, friends, colleagues and people from public places. In short they are committing a crime by slowly killing others.
Great initiative. I have been waiting for this from long time. All the smokers should be fined so that they can learn a good lesson. When we tell them about the consequences they try to be more smart than us and will never agree that they are committing a big mistake. There may be people living longer lives being a smoker, but that will not apply to all. In my place air pollution was coming from the vehicles and here from peoples mouth. Thank you Advisory Council.
The 'old' law is 14 years old and has never been enforced. Why should the new law be enforced if the violator is the cousin of the policeman?
Because the drinking issue is related to religious aspects
Good Initiative & Try to increase the price twice for tobacco products, sure it will help to reduce the consumption. and Guys, Please Give up the Smoking Habits, Soon you will feel the difference in your LIFE.
It's rather surprising how the issues of alcoholic drinks are being handled but less attentions are paid to smoking. Smoking is far deadlier than GIN/Alcohol................One needs to go through rigorous process of Drinking Permit but no one restricts you from taking cigarette.
I believe measures are being taken in this regard.
Tough life for some, there are people who borrow smoke stick from a friend or colleagues ............ how would they be paying that much ............. ?
Great initiative, hope there will be decrease in second hand smoke from Shisha at Souq Waqif!