Tough times are ahead for the tobacco-addicted in Turkey, where smokers’ number in the tens of millions, as May 19 will see the start of a national smoking ban in all facilities of education, entertainment, health and sports centres as well as public transportation -- including taxis.
The coming restrictions are just the tip of the iceberg; the ultimate ban, which will include restaurants and cafes, enters into force next summer.
Some of the provisions of a bill passed in Parliament early in January introduce smoking bans in public agency buildings, including their halls, and the closed areas in any educational, health, commercial, social, cultural, entertainment or sports facility. The ban will apply to land travel, trains and sea and air travel as well as to taxis in Turkish cities.
The ban will not be confined to the indoor areas of facilities in all educational institutions, including facilities that teach private courses outside school curriculum, but will also extend to the outdoor areas of such premises. Smokers disposing of cigarette butts on the street will also be fined.
Designated areas for smokers can be set aside in retirement homes, psychiatric hospitals, prisons and the decks of boats travelling along domestic and international routes. However, persons under the age of 18 will not be admitted to these areas.
Separate rooms for guests who consume tobacco products will have to be allocated in facilities that offer accommodation and hotelier services.
Restrictions in stadiums
The new law also introduces new limits to smoking in stadiums, where smoking will be restricted to designated zones in open areas.
Tobacco products will be completely banned in areas where performances of sports, culture, arts and entertainment take place and in areas reserved for the spectators of these events. However, setting up designated areas for smokers in these facilities will be permitted. The law also introduces technical specifications that ensure that smoke and its odor are completely isolated and prevented from permeating through the door or the walls of the smoking area and that these areas are equipped with air conditioning. The law also bans all kinds of marketing and advertising activity related to cigarettes and tobacco products.
Violations of the new law by businesses will incur fines ranging from YTL 500 to YTL 5,000. Individuals who flaunt the smoking ban will face a YTL 50 fine, while discarding a cigarette butt or a pack on the ground will mean a YTL 20 fine. The law also introduces a ban in restaurants, cafeterias and coffeehouses; however, that particular article will go into force on July 19, 2009.
Domestic News – Resource:Today’s Zaman
