Read This: The Draft Law For A Smoking Ban In Public Places In Lebanon

Update (August 17, 2011): The law has passed*

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

A very kind source has sent me this document. It’s the draft of the law being prepared for tobacco control in Lebanon and it includes a ban on smoking in public places. This is becoming more real everyday and it’s very exciting news.

This is being sent to various stakeholders like restaurant owners, and my source tells me that although this is still a draft law, most MPs are planning to vote yes on it.

I quickly read the draft, and while it’s a great start, I have some reservations. For example, I noticed that there are no punitive clauses against those who smoke in public places (public place being defined as anywhere where other people go regardless of whether it’s privately or publicly owned). The punishment is reserved to the outfits who fail to hang a “do not smoke” sign but there is no mentioning of a situation where a “do not smoke” sign is on the wall but people are smoking regardless.

Another concern, as my source tells me, is “smoking only” outfits like Arguileh cafes where people go only to smoke. Will these be shut down or granted an exception?

All in all, I’m looking at the half-full cup, but I appreciate your sharing this and discussing it before it becomes the law of the land.