We’re Lebanese, The Law Means Nothing To Us

Hanadi Ahmadieh of Alkahwa (a shisha outfit), reacts to the new law against indoor smoking:

I don’t think people will follow the law. We’re Lebanese,” she said, looking out of the window at the chaotic Hamra traffic. “Like the seatbelt and traffic light laws, people will find ways to get around the law.

I really think that the smoking law is a different case. Unlike the traffic light and seatbelt laws, the smoking law has strong advocates in non-smokers who now have the law on their side. Those can be persistent (or annoying, depending on where you stand) in demanding that the law be followed. Some may even threaten to withhold payment of the bill or to report the place..