Anti-tobacco law: Hotels, eateries yet to implement ordinance

ISLAMABAD:

Managements of hotels, restaurants and international food chains in the federal capital have yet to implement anti-tobacco laws.

Owners designate areas for smokers in hotels and restaurants to allow them to smoke cigarettes, cigars and shisha, while smoking in any form is banned in all public places including hotels and restaurants under section 2 of the Prohibition of smoking and protection of non-smokers health ordinance 2002.

When contacted, an official of the tobacco control cell said local authorities have been asked to educate people about the law and stop use of tobacco in public places and offices besides implementing tobacco control laws in departments including educational institutions and offices.

Designated areas for smokers have been removed from the country’s airports and now no one is allowed to smoke any tobacco products there, while such steps have also been taken by Pakistan Railways at their stations.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2013.