ZERO TOLERANCE ON SMOKING IN MALLS!!!!!!
Despite there being a law banning smoking in public places it's still happening!!
Unbelievably after the fire that took the lives of so many in Villaggio I have just seen people smoking in Starbucks in Landmark!! Why are these people so arrogant to think that the law doesn't apply to them and don't they realise they could possibly be putting other people's lives and health in danger.
I believe there should be zero tolerance of smoking in public places. I'm not saying smoking caused the Villaggio fire as we don't know all the details yet but we need to minimise the risk of any fire ever occuring again in a public place.
I do think about this, dear kiwi. I'll never again go to the cinema at City Center. Too close to the food court, too risky in terms of emergency exits. I will see every place in Doha now with new eyes. We all will. And we will speak out! If you see something, say something!
Mandi
Mandilulur: not only that, but because toilets are on the outside perimeter, or away from the main point-of-view, fire would easily spread to the next floor up.
If this absolute tragedy happened on a single-floored mall, imagine what the outcome would be in somewhere like CityCenter mall that is four or five stories high. Too many tears in my household in the past three days to think too hard about this. However, I believe that someone should be considering hypothetical outcomes of smoking in malls and the unintended consequences that may be involved with that type of antisocial behaviour.
Can you imagine the destruction that could be caused by a person smoking in the washroom and carelessly disposing of the butt? The fire would be overwhelming before it was even discovered.
Mandi
I like this attitude. Im sick to death of arrogance and ignorance with nothing at its heart other than "Stone age" perceptions.
to stop smoking or to pick up their trash they have been very polite to comply and thanked me. Most people want to do the right thing, but get away with too much. SPEAK UP PEOPLE! I am a 5 foot 2 woman, but I am not scared to tell Qataris or whoever to stop doing something. In 8 years no one has ever responded in a negative way when I have called them on their behavior (except stupid parents with babies in the front seat). Be brave. It takes us all to make a change.
Locals continued to smoke in Cafe Vergagno in Villaggio, the no smoking signs were put on the table but ignored. When I mentioned this to one of the waitresses, she just smiled and said what can I do ?
Right, that's it. I'm on a mission. Snap all those smoking in malls and sending them to the police station, MOI and QL. It is illegal and we have seen what the consequence of fire in malls is. I encourage and invite others to join me on my Puffarazzi quest.
I believe the best weapon now is citizen journalism. Take pix, post 'em here, tweet them to dohanews.com. Let's speak up when children's lives are in danger. Shame is a powerful motivator here.
Mandi
That's right Mandi, each time we turned a blind eye to what is going on we are as guilty as those that do it.
We must speak up to save the people of the future and not be quiet because someone has wasta.
I think this is a pivotal moment, John. It's a time to stretch boundaries and test those unspoken "rules". I am hoping that this tragic time will bring real change. Let's not leave it to others, let's not be silent any longer, let's be part of speaking up. One of my friends posted on FB that she feels guilty now for every time she passed a chained emergency exit and just sniffed, "Idiots." It's time. It won't happen at once but for the love of God, let's not be part of the problem. Let's be part of the solution. We're in it for the long haul.
Mandi
As tb mentioned in the earlier comment, taking photos of these perpetrators and posting them in QL... is that a feasible idea...or is QL owned by a sheikh as well??
I agree, chairboy. The "politeness" in most Arab countries is just fake!
Not only Qataris do this but mostly other Arab nationals as well...
A lot of it is about courtesy and manners and whether it is in the Mall or on the road, there is a certain element of society who are totally bereft of common courtesy or good manners...... go figure.
As far as accountability for behaviour is concerned.......watching and waiting.
Some people think they are above everything else and they can do whatever they want.
I have seen one teenager at a gasoline station in Najma just throw his waste from the car window (a plastic bag and an empty plastic bottle), and then get off the car and walk inside the shop to buy something. He even kicked the trash out of his way when he got off the car.
Sometimes I am amazed how arrogant people (specially teenagers) act here in Doha...
Read more: http://qatarliving.com/node/3026427#ixzz1wM6dp1br
It's THEIR country, THEIR rules, and THEY are responsible for any mishap that evolves from this stone-age mentality!
I will qualify, the majority of people seen smoking wear thobes and gutras and the expat security guards seem scared to address the issue with them.
The word "Qatari" hasnt been mentioned in this thread so far - yours is the first. But now that you mention it ...............
The law does not apply to Qataris, so stop being rude about them
My dear barristas at Starbucks in Villaggio would very nicely ask customers to stop smoking when we would complain to them. I do so wish we could give them tips but the management doesn't allow them to keep them.
Mandi
So, the first step would be to close Starbucks! But, oh, no, the owner is a Sheikh. Damn.
Did you see the no smoking sign on each table. I have so much wanted to take a photograph of all the smokers outside Starbucks Landmark with their fags and makeshift ashtrays next to the no smoking signs on their tables. I am a smoker, but I would never have the audacity to smoke where it is supposed to be illegal. What is the difference between them and me? Why do they feel laws don't apply to them? Yes this makes me angry, but have I got the guts to say something to them.... Hell no!
If simple laws like this aren't enforced what chance is there that people will obey more important ones. Come on law enforcers lets see you deal with this simple and easy to understand law.
If we've learnt anything from Villagio it's that the law is just a polite suggestion.
I agree, even in office buildings, parks, malls every where they start smoking,,,,,,,,,
Talk to the hand ..........cos the perpetrators are above the law.
It is now all our responsibility to keep each other safe. I am a petite woman, but I have regularly confronted smokers in the mall and won't hesitate to do it again.
How dare they. They are lucky I did not see them.
You could have talked to the guys.