Qatar officials have offered more details about a stricter new anti-smoking law that should be implemented “soon.” The law, which was supposed to pass last year, will now reportedly empower malls to fine those found smoking on their premises. 

It it already illegal in Qatar to smoke in closed spaces, and the fine for doing so ranges from QR200 to QR500. But enforcement of the law has been lax, and residents have long complained about people flouting the rules. Officials say they hope the new law will give anti-tobacco efforts here more teeth.

“The law is with the Cabinet. They sent it for some modifications to be reviewed by us, and now we are waiting for the approval,” Dr. Al Anoud Al Thani, Director of Health Protection and Non-communicable Diseases at the Supreme Council of Health, as reported by the Peninsula.

Sheesha ban

Last year, the SCH said a new stricter anti-tobacco law that included a ban on sheesha outlets in residential areas and near educational facilities was expected to pass “in the next few months.”

Meanwhile, over the next few months, the SCH will survey tobacco consumption in Qatar to assess the pervasiveness and economics of the habit to come up with strategies to reduce addiction, Gulf Times reports.

There are also plans to increase the number of tobacco cessation clinics from the existing three operations.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by Jaula DeArdilla