Miqati: Alternatives to Smoking Ban Should Have Been Presented before Law’s Approval
Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Tuesday that the government is committed to the implementation of the smoking ban that was recently approved by parliament.
He said after meeting with a delegation from the restaurant owners syndicate: “Those protesting the ban should have presented alternatives before the law was approved at parliament.”
Restaurant owners have protested the ban, saying it will affect the country’s tourism sector.
The ban came into effect on Monday in accordance to Law 174, which passed a year ago.
The premier stated that the government had highlighted the importance of the ban, adding that it also recognizes the effects it will have on the tourism sector.
“The relief brought to the citizens and civil authorities cannot be ignored however,” noted Miqati.
He added that he understands the protesters actions, revealing that their suggestions could be taken into consideration by the government and parliament ahead of possibly amending the law.
To that end, he suggested the formation of a committee that includes parliament, the concerned ministries, and representatives of various syndicates to study all aspects of the smoking ban.
Members of the judicial police, the inspectors of the Ministry of Public Health, the Directorate of Consumer Protection in the Economy Ministry and the tourist police will be in charge of monitoring the implementation of the law’s provisions.
A minimum LL135,000 ($90) fine for non-compliance with the new smoke-free regulations will be applied to both the owners and the smokers themselves.
Shisha smokers will be the most affected as smoking water pipes has become part of the Lebanese culture and a rising number of people from all ages are becoming addicted.
They consider shisha a recreational activity.
The National Tobacco Control Program of the Health Ministry says more than 3,500 Lebanese die each year from tobacco-related diseases.
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