Hotline to report breaches of smoking law

SHARJAH // Health bosses are urging the public to call a municipality hotline to report anyone who breaks the new national anti-smoking law.

The federal law, which includes banning people from lighting up in cars when travelling with children under the age of 12, is “essential to protect children, especially at a young age”, said Rasha bint Ahmad Al Qassimi, assistant director general of Sharjah Municipality for public health and environment.

“The municipality is very strict against violators of the anti-smoking laws and has set up a toll-free number for the public to help report violators,” said Ms Al Qassimi.

“Inspectors will also be on the streets as well as other banned areas to ensure violations are not committed.”

The law, which came into force on Tuesday, also bans the sale of tobacco to people under 18; smoking in houses of worship, educational institutes and health or sports facilities; and selling sweets resembling tobacco products.

Sharjah has in the past taken the lead in issuing anti-smoking decrees, among these was a ban on the sale of cigarettes at grocery shops and supermarkets in residential areas. The emirate was also the first to ban smoking in malls and other public areas.

Ms Al Qassimi said that fines for breaking the rules regarding smoking and tobacco sales in the emirate were up to Dh1,000 for an individual and between Dh10,000 to Dh20,000 for businesses.

Mohammed Abdul Azeem, who lives in Sharjah, welcomed the decision to ban smoking in cars.

Mr Azeem, who is a smoker and a parent, said the law would help him to cut down on his habit because he would no longer be able to smoke when his two young children were with him.

To report law breakers, residents can call the Sharjah Municipality hotline number 993.