All kinds of smoking within closed areas banned

The official spokesperson of the Environment Public Authority (EPA) and the Director of Public Relations Sheikha Al-Ibrahim says the ban on smoking within closed and semi closed public places is not just for tobacco cigarettes but also includes electronic cigarettes, electronic hookah (shisha) and any other tools or equipment used for the purpose of smoking, reports Al-Anba daily.

In a press statement, Sheikha Al-Ibrahim said EPA stresses the need to follow smoking restrictions in closed and semi-enclosed public places in accordance with Article No. 56 of the environmental protection law No. 42/2014 and its amendments.

Al-Ibrahim explained that the public places she is referring to are governmental and private administrative establishments, public benefit associations, their administrative offices, their annexes, and every site that falls within their scope.

Al-Ibrahim stressed the need to put a “No Smoking” sign in clear locations at the entrances to public places, adding, “In the event that ashtrays are placed outside public buildings, they must be kept away from the entrances by a distance of at least four meters”.

She highlighted that EPA continues to publish awareness videos to alert smokers and owners of establishments regarding the necessity of adhering to the regulating laws.

She also highlighted the obligation of all authorities to take the necessary measures to prevent smoking in closed and semi-enclosed spaces, as such a violation exposes the facility manager to a fine of up to KD 5,000, adding that they must allow the presence of private smoking booths that comply with technical specifications and environmental requirements.