DOHA: People in Qatar are demanding strict measures to stop smoking in public places. They complain that Qatar does not have smoking zones at public places due to which non-smokers become victims of passive smoking.
Mansoor Al Hajiri, a Qatari national, said that people start smoking in front of buildings of ministries, schools and offices, which is uncivilized behaviour. These people do not care if other people have to suffer due to passive smoking. There should be smoking zones in public places. Passive smoking is injurious to the health of non-smokers. There should be law to protect non-smokers from passive smoking. Most of the developed countries have special smoking zones in public places to save non-smokers. Qatar should also have such places, he said.
He added that a disturbing trend was that even youngsters were seen smoking openly in public places. It was surprising to see them smoking as selling cigarettes to youngsters is illegal. Those selling cigarettes to youngsters and those smoking in public places should be punished, he said.
Turki Al Ganim said many people smoke in front of the Hamad International Airport, which is a nuisance for other people. There should be a smoking zone in HIA far from its entrance, he said.
Many people were seen violating the law restricting smoking in public places. They can be seen smoking in commercial centres, toilets, emergency exits and other public places. Smoking should not be allowed in such places as these places are also visited by children, women and senior citizens, he said.
He added that smoking at public places could be stopped by imposing heavy penalties. There should also be awareness drives to make people aware about the impact of passive smoking.
Mishal Al Hajiri said other GCC countries have fines for people smoking in public places. Kuwait has fine of 15 Kuwaiti Dinars while the United Arab Emirates has a fine of 500 Dirhams for smoking in public places.
Lawyer Mohammed Al Tamini said that special smoking zones should not be created in public places in Qatar as it encourages people to smoke. The anti-smoking law should be implemented properly and people smoking in public places should be detained for few days, apart from being fined.
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