First Restaurant Fined in Tyre over Violation of Smoking Ban
إقرأ هذا الخبر بالعربية
A restaurant in the southern city of Tyre was fined for violating the anti-tobacco law, the first such move since the regulation came into force on Monday, Voice of Lebanon radio (93.3) reported.
VDL said Wednesday that a Ministry of Economy staff member fined the SUNSET restaurant that lies on the southern corniche on Tuesday night after he saw several customers smoking water pipes indoor.
The owner, Mohammed Ismail, criticized the law in remarks to VDL, saying it would lead to the closure of a lot of restaurants and to bankruptcy.
But Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Tuesday that the government is committed to the implementation of the smoking ban.
He said after meeting with a delegation from the restaurant owners syndicate: “Those protesting the ban should have presented alternatives before the law was approved by parliament” last year.
Tobacco control Law 174 that went into effect Monday prompted several restaurants and cafes to shut down in protest.
Demonstrators also held a sit-in in the town of Antelias north of Beirut where restaurants, cafes and bars have mushroomed, demanding amendments to the law.
05 September 2012, 13:15
07
For those restaurants loosing money. What about giving courses in yogic respiration... Bill the short course at 10000LL. After a while, people will start feeling better, instead of getting black lungs.
People should be happy that the gouvernment is prohibiting this killer habit, and helping them save their health.
05 September 2012, 13:49
08
They should start fining restaurants for poor hygiene... next !
05 September 2012, 14:25
00
well at saniour antelias ppl were still smoking indoors ....
05 September 2012, 15:19
10
Apparently, one thousand newly appointed smoking licenses were granted to well-paying restaurant owners with inter-political connections.
What a joke this country has become.
05 September 2012, 15:26
00
Apparently, one thousand 'out of the blue' newly appointed smoking licenses were granted to well-paying restaurant/cafe/pub owners able to pay the pretty dollar and with inter-political connections.
What an ironic joke.
Let's all say baaaa baaaa baaaa baaaa
05 September 2012, 15:39
15
They also should fine people for having illegal weapons, that also can be dangerous to our health!!
05 September 2012, 15:42
15
If they fine people for talking politics or religion then everybody will live happily ever after.
05 September 2012, 17:03
10
The lebanese government should worry about the toxic waste and improving the country. Lebanon without smoking will not be the lebanon I remember, it's a part of the culture. I really hope to God that the whole country protests this ridiculas law and does not turn it into western countries where you can't even smoke infront of a building or in a park. We all have our mothers to tell us what to do, we don't need the government geting invovled as well. We are free to smoke our lungs black, those don't like it need to learn to deal with it, because God gave us free will to choose. Lebanese government improve your electricity that goes out every now and then, don't tear down the economy by banding smoking. I know I'll be making a stand when I go to lebanon next I'll be lighting up in the airport for all I care, this is lebanon God's country of beauty and freedom. Come on Lebanese citizens, start the protest and i'll come a back you up.
06 September 2012, 00:40
00
Spoken like a true idiot. People need to learn to deal with it. What country are you in? I am sure you are an addition to their culture.
06 September 2012, 04:42
00
Spoken like a true inconsiderate a-hole (Wadie). The intent of the law is not to ban smoking, but to protect non-smokers from breathing second-hand smoke. You can still smoke till your lungs turn black, the sooner you die the better. Just do it away from others who don't want to breathe in your pollution.
05 September 2012, 19:07
00
They should start fining the food health inspectors. Oh, I forgot, we don't have any!
05 September 2012, 19:10
00
Banning cigarette smoking is ok , but argile isn't that dangerous
05 September 2012, 21:59
00
Black cloud over hubbly bubblies
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/black-cloud-over-hubbly-bubblies/2008/09/06/1220121593030.html
Arguileh Facts!
http://thedailyscribbler.blogspot.com/2007/02/arguileh-facts.html
05 September 2012, 22:48
00
Allright but I can eat in an argile smoked room, but not a cigarette smoked room. There is a difference in smell. Cigarette smoke itches.
