Lebanon enforces smoking ban in public areas

Lebanon activates a smoking ban on Monday Beirut – Georges Chahine Lebanon activates a smoking ban on Monday for enclosed public places and promotes the ban through advertising and publicity. The good news for doctors is bad news for others as protest took place by owners of restaurants and cafes in Antelias (6 km east of Beirut) on Thursday. The area is home to many Hookah cafes and the decision is feared to have catastrophic economic results on cafes specialising in coffee and Hooka, with an estimated 5,000 employees losing their jobs.
Interior Minister Marwan Charbel said to Arabstoday: "It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health as well as the Ministries of Economy and Tourism. I personally do not smoke. I would advise everyone not to smoke for health reasons yet people are responsible for their behavior and their health. Those who say security is a priority over the smoking ban, why linking these issues together? Globally there are crimes as well as smoking bans according to strict laws."
Supporters for this decision emphasise that it preserves the health of citizens and has no big effect on tourism enterprises.
Head of the Health Committee in the Parliament, MP Atef Majdalani, explained to Arabstoday that "Lebanon has been discussing this law for several years. Its positives are much more than its negatives."
"Studies have shown that in countries which started implementing this law long ago, the rate of severe heart attacks has dropped from 17 percent to 19 percent. The workers in restaurants and nightclubs have not been affected by this law, noting that it was applied at once. Restaurants and nightclubs were given notice and time for its application."
Majdalani stressed the importance of laws being applied seriously: "There are smokers who need a law to stop smoking. For example, some Lebanese who are committed to anti-smoking laws abroad, smoke in Lebanon."
 Head of the restaurants, cafes and nightclubs owners Union in Lebanon Paul Ares, who works with specialised committees to discuss ways to amend the resolution, said to Arabstoday: "There are several alternatives that can be applied, we will protect the tourist movement in Lebanon."
"The decision to ban smoking in Lebanon in public places is very strict. It would be better to pass a gradual and amended law that paves the way for the desired goal like in France. The decision will cause the closure of nearly 30 percent of restaurants, cafes and nightclubs and at least 2.000 employees will lose their jobs."
Ares concluded: "We support the tourism sector. It is our duty and we have to offer alternatives. It is not true that the majority of the Lebanese do not smoke. In government and official positions there are heavy smokers who are expected to be abided by the law.”
One minister who smokes two packs a day said to Arabstoday: "It won't prevent me from smoking, even in the office." While refusing to reveal his name, he added: "I will reject the application of the law in my office at least. Whoever disagrees with my decision can stop visiting me."
As for considering his office a part of a public institution where smoking will be prevented, he claimed: "I own my office. I would choose smokers to work with me in order not to bother anyone.”