Speak out against smoking!!!!

all smokers,... i got no problem with you all, just stay away from me and my daughter... :P

No probs on the Corniche - you're more at risk from the car fumes!

Sweet, the corniche is outside and there are no signs that prohibit it.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

How can we differentiate the smoking and non smoking area aside from a closed area. Is it allowed to smoke in cornice?

Visit Filipino Expats Eye on the Web

smoke away from me, no worries...

are the law breakers...

that's why smoking is everywhere...

And we should have a go at the restaurants/cafes that allow them to smoke, even if they provide designated smoking areas, since they're breaking the law as well.

and all other smokes... esp in an enclosed space...

it activate my sinus allergies and gives me headache for days... :(

Ok.. Spitting issue, I agree. Enforcement should be tighter (save for Ramadhan month and a month thereafter), I'm sure you all know the valid reason for that.

BOT (back on topic) - smoking is kinda ingrained in the local culture, isn't it? Sheesha, etc too. Yes, all smoking is supposed to be outdoors and that's fine in winter but at other times, they'd prefer to smoke indoors. Hence, the smoking and no smoking areas. I think they are generally quite careful about smoking in family areas - like some restaurants have - where the women and children are.

/Another thing - cuban cigar smoke was not too bad (health wise, must be worse) but it was ok to be around for 1 round. What I can't stand is the Indonesian brand "Gudang Garam" or something. My colleague(s) love that one.

Sends me packing.

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

I smoke but, even I know how disgusting it is. I really have to quit. I never ever ever ever ever smoke in inside the house though, and never in public areas specially when the area is closed.

About that spitting thing, Our neighbors (from where I used to live) used to be an accomodation for about 40 or so people, every morning they would have this "throat clearing" competition just around the time we're having breakfast. Long story short, I got an ulcer for skipping breakfast all the time.

Believe it or not there actually is. Spitting in public carries a QR 200 fine.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

Tess, there is a law. Law nimber 20 of 2002 if memory serves correctly. There is also a law about spitting.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

Smoking infront of wives and kids!!OMG!How terrible!!......what if the wife was a smoker God forbid.......toddlers and weeing on my feet while I'm smoking.....mmmmmm I'm not entirely sure how I'd react to that, probably keep on smoking I expect!

I don't speak up though, unless I have no choice. I usually just simply move away to another spot. I can stand it for a while, like maybe one round and continue chatting or whatever I'm doing .. but thereafter, I excuse myself and move away.

Not gutless but consideration for others. I will fight where necessary but I choose my battles carefully. An anti-smoking campaign is not one of them, for now. maybe if I have a family later. Qatar, being a family oriented place, should be against smoking. It's a health hazard.

You know, I see a number of Qatari and other guys smoking right under No Smoking signs... And some of them, even right in front of their wives and kids.

But having said that, there are some who have been considerate as well. Like I was once in Starbucks some time back, working on something (more or less settled at my spot for quite a while) when this Qatari guy sat at a nearby table and started smoking like a chimney. But after a short while, he realized that his smoke was almost literally getting in my face, so he, at his own volition, moved away. Very kind and considerate of him, I thought.

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Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

those selfish, smelly, cancer spreading morons who flout the smoking laws to their own benifit.

Furthermore, i allow you to use any means nessessary, including weeing and lethal force to achieve this.

Your super MP,

MP

:D

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NIL ILLEGITIMI CARBORUNDUM

Tallg, you forgot to ask him to give my toddler permission to pee on the feet of violators.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

Of course, I forgot about our very own MP!

Dear MP

I am writing to urge you start enforcing Law No.20 of 2002 - the banning of smoking in public places.

A cynical person may think that this law was only introduced to make Qatar look good to the international community, but I am sure that is not the case and that the primary concern is for the health and well being of the residents of Qatar.

But businesses and people alike have been blatantly flouting this law for the past 6 years. Sort it out, pronto!

Please participate in thread Smoking Time IS basically a survey.

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NIL ILLEGITIMI CARBORUNDUM

Hey, you're breaking the law and damaging the health of others, so good on anyone who stands up to you or reports you. In my opinion it's no different to breaking the law while driving and putting others lives at risk.

But as with the driving, it's the government who need to enforce the law. They should be issuing on the spot fines to smokers, and fining the establishments that let them do it.

I'm going to write to my MP!

I think I am gonna start letting my toddler piss on the feet of people smoking in the mall. It is illegal, and it is only a fine but people who would actually complain about it must be awful bored...

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

I wonder if people really have nothing better to do than go a find someone to report a smoker smoking in a non smoking place........Gawd they must be bored...

I couldn't find the actual law itself, but this came from the Gulf Times;

Smoking is already prohibited in most public places in the country, according to Law No 20 of 2002, on the control of tobacco and its derivatives.

[..]

The ban covers public transport, schools, educational and training centres, universities, health centres, ministries and government departments, inside lifts, cinemas, theatres, shopping centres, sports clubs, industrial establishments and restaurants and shops selling food and beverages.

In the same article an official also said that members of the public need to be vigilant and start reporting offenders.

There are big notices in some of the malls detailing the law banning smoking in all enclosed public places. I think it was introduced in 2002. I expect the punishment is only a fine though.

nah, it would take more than that to extinguish my Marlboro Light!lol....no, I didn't realise it was illegal, I just thought there was a fine!!

lol - like you don't know it is SN.

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NIL ILLEGITIMI CARBORUNDUM

what law? Is it illegal to smoke in starbucks?OMG!

but you're breaking the law SN!!!

mmmmmm I'm still waiting for some smartarse to approach me when I'm smoking in Starbucks...noone has had the balls to do it cos I would quite politely tell you to bugger off and mind your own.......

people smoking in malls especially are just plain morons

im a smoker but i don't smoke if children is around.. id rather kill myself...ugh!

in addition to my first comment, smoking in non-smoking places are those selfish and lack of attention people...they want others to notice them and give them somne attention...

poor ignorant smokers...they need to be reminded of the sign they always forget to notice..:(

Buying cigarettes should require a special license just like alcohol. smoking in public should result in a jail sentence.

touche SN!

I would actually find that quite funny. My sense of humor is very warped. I would actually go out with my husband more if he pulled stuff like that.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

Amoud- I'll try just about anything...I can just see myself hocking up a huge goober. I'm afraid my g/f would really have a hard time going to mall coffee shops with me then!

The world would be a far better place if people didn't have to flaunt their vices...

LOL, Brutus apparently people find spitting repulsive, or maybe you could try sitting with them and picking your nose and artfully placing your treasure on their coffee cup saucer.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

My g/f rolls her eyes when we see smokers in a cafe- she knows I'm going to say something. I usually just point out to the smokers that it is illegal to smoke in cafes and that I don't want to breather their smoke- most of them are generally smoking with the sign right above them. I'm polite, but if the smoker continues- and they never have, I'm sure I could get creative.

Maybe I'll sit down at their table and talk on my cell phone loudly...

Maybe begin coughing really loudly until everyone stares at me (and them)...

Smokers...figure it out.

that's why we almost never go to bars or clubs as almost everyone there smokes,.baldrick is right, it stinks up the clothes and the hair as well,...

I find my toddler enjoys eating cigarette ends.....then I don't have to cook her anything for dinner!! she also prefers to smoke her fags with a filter so hers a considerably weaker than mine....

Whether smoking is good or bad for the smoker is for them to decide, however for me:

1. smoke irritates the f*ck out of my eyes.

2. smoke gives me a really sore throat.

3. smoke stinks up my clothes.

If a restaurant or caffee shop owner wants his business non-smoking that's for him to decide and enforce, and if you are a smoker you have the freedom to choose to go elsewhere. This has sod all to do with East, West, North or South.

Did you Google it first?

Alrighty, I got the article open and I must say I am a bit dissapointed that this is the hard core reference material. It is basically one mans rant against anti-smoking lobbies.

All the reference material is from pro-smoking literature, not actual medical journals.

Tsk tsk...

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

when someone is smoking under a no smoking sign, i hope he chokes on his own smoke, till he cant breathe...

The link doesnt work disillusioned. Also it is not about choice when someone is smoking right under a no-smoking sign while I am sitting with my children trying to have lunch. I also dont appreciate my toddler running around picking up cigarette butss off the floor and trying to eat them in a "non-smoking" environment.

No one is taking away your right to choose, but does that give you the right to impose your "rights" upon everyone in an place where it is prohibited?

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

tut, tut Supernurse. And you with a child as well.

disillusioned - If smoking is banned by law in certain places then you don't have the freedom to choose to smoke there, regardless of what your document says.

Well said disillusioned!

Amoud, I am NOT a smoker, but I refuse to persecute anyone for their right to choose. Due to such a quick reply, you have obviously not read the document I referred to.

Here here! Smokers unite.....now wheres my puffs....

disillusioned, you are just that. Smoking is against the law in malls and restaurants. So you choosing to smoke where it is prohibited is a "freedom of choice"?

I wasnt aware that public health awareness was only a western concept.

Tell me disillusioned... are the cigarettes in the ME healthier than the ones in the West?

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

I really wish some people would stop trying to turn the Middle East into another 'Western' society.

Some people left the West to get away from the bigots, hypocrites and the nanny state!

If you don’t like the culture in Doha, (including the freedom to choose like smoking), then why are you here?

So many people are brainwashed by the West’s propaganda, if you don’t believe me, then read the attached word document to this link - http://www.qatarliving.com/node/18925

You should always investigate and research both sides of the argument, before voicing an 'informed' opinion.

It's a much bigger issue than just smoking, it's our right to 'freedom of choice' that's at stake.

No, if I feel the urge to light up...I can't help it, nobody has said anything yet........sometimes the urge happens at the petrol station! what to do?!

Actually Supernurse I do. I am responsible for my kids health, its quite simple so I dont take them to indoor restaurants that have sheesha.

Now I will get the comments that I should also keep them home from the mall if I am so concerned, but, the mall is supposed to be a family friendly smoke free enironment so I feel it is my right to tell someone who is ignorantly smoking (usually under a no smoking sign) that they are a careless pratt. Just because you can doesnt mean you should.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

But people go to shisha cafes/restaurants specifically to smoke shisha, so they are easily avoided by non-smokers.

But normal coffee shops and restaurants are there for everyone so people shouldn't smoke in them. Hence why there's a law in place preventing it.

What about sheesha smokers? do you avoid these places because of the smoke?? Nahhh I wouldn't have thought so......I particularly hunt down pregnant women and children to light up in front........

the act is if any one really has that much crap on their chest that they have to bring it up in public, then they should see a doctor or quit smoking.....see brought it back to the topic...:)

"Your born, You Live, You Die, given this premise, one can conclude since we have no control over when we are born and when we die, the only thing that matters to us should be how we live, simple really?" Mis-Cat to her philosophy Lecturer.

I was in a meeting on Monday in my client's canteen, when I heard the precursory hack that comes before the ptooey, emanating from the kitchen! Glad I don't have to eat there!!!

Did you Google it first?

While your at it lets get cars off the road! do you realize that the exhaust that comes from a car is far worse for your children than smoke especially that sh@t from buses and older cars. I can also imagine living in a city like Qatar is harmful with due to lots of industrial companies.

I am always excited to go to sleep! In anticipation of the new experience I will find awaiting me.

Hijack away friends :)

I can always bring you back on track, and if the sidestep is an interesting one by all means..... Makes it more conversational.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

now I understand your post better. Yes, we got a little sidetracked. No I have never seen that on the corniche! That's disgusting as well.

Deedee the post is about health risks associated with smoking... hence my post.

I do think hacking up half a lung and spitting wherever the heart desires is rude, gross and I actually think there may be some law about it. 6 years ago or so they were trying to enforce this on the corniche but to no avail.

Want another gross one? How about the guys who blow all their boogers out and wipe their noses with their hands? ever seen that one on the corniche? Far far worse than spitting.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

amoud - sorry, we've hijacked your thread. No one was trying to belittle the dangers of smoking. Spitting does carry its own dangers though, even when it's outside.

I dont care how darn 'cultural' it is... its anti social and health hazard...

it comes under private bathroom activities and shouldn't be done in public

yes, but it is still gross. Would you pick your nose in front of people or do other gross things in public (scratch yourself in a certain spot) as well? When I need to clear my throat (spit) I quickly go to a private place (bathroom) and do my business there. If that's not possible, at least they could be a little more discreet.

you aint be to Nepal honey - some champion phelm hurlers there of the fairer gender.

TallG - ditto it is revolting - but that urge to vomit i have no channeled it into a shout!

Spitting and the QFA are my 'pet peeves'...LOL

I feel exactly the same way. I usually just make a horrified looking face. I can't believe they would do such a gross thing in front of a woman. One time I had to quickly jump out of the way or my foot would have received a coasting of phlegm. If I wasn't so shocked i really would have given that guy a piece of my mind. I do think it's cultural, as he looked surprised at my reaction (my horrified face). Maybe where he comes from it's acceptable to spit on someone's foot. Remind me not to go there.

Does spitting cause lung cancer, stroke, heart disease? The spitting you are refering to is outside, not in a restaurant or cafe where I am trying to eat with my family. If someone spit on the floor right in front of you I am sure you would say something about it right?

Unless someone spits directly in you or your childrens mouth, or directly on an open wound I think you are pretty safe.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock - Will Rogers"

Oryx - I'd love to say something but I'm usually too busy trying not to hurl all over the place at the sound they make when the spit. Man, they're bringing up the real deep stuff, aren't they?!

Judging from the fact that it's only certain people who go round spitting it must be a cultural thing that's accepted in their society at home. Doesn't make it right, but that seems to be the case.

why is it that you never see a woman spitting in public?

yep but there are people spitting when you walk down the road and where kids are playing....

spitting annoys me more because it is random...

smoking in coffee shops...well you know where to avoid if you dont like it...you can't do that with spitting.

Yes Oryx, but there aren't usually people spitting on my table when I'm trying to eat.

A couple of years ago I complained to a restaurant manager about people smoking at the next table. He shrugged and told me it was "their country".

I haven't been back there since.

what do you all do when someone spits?

that is really bad for public health and really disgusting

Yes brit, and most restaurants have made it quite clear what there stance on smoking is, as I'm nearly always asked if I want a smoking or non-smoking table!

If the government want to enforce it (which the obviously don't - they just enjoy the PR that comes with having a law like that in writing) they need to crack down on establishments that allow smoking.

I applaud the restaurants that claim to be non-smoking and stick to it. There are a few, but the only one that comes to mind is Fuddruckers.

cant say anything .........

Most the the staff at these places are exactly that. I simply walk up to the offenders say "excuse me, but it is illegal to smoke in public places" and point to the no smoking sign right above their heads. when they hesitate I say, "you need to put out your cigarette now".

So far, in 5 years all I have sweetly asked have complied. Except rotten teenagers who then I shame and embarrass.

Hehehe. If i find someone smoking near me when they shouldn't be, I just go and fart in their face! :o)

Did you Google it first?

I'll be honest. I'm pretty gutless when it comes to confronting people. I was in a restaurant last week and two guys lit up. I pointed it out to the waiter, but he just disappeared.

The onus has to be on the management of the establishment.

is a disgusting, filthy habit. kill yourself in the privacy of your own home. If you are smoking in a public place, breaking the law, then yes you will hear from me (in a nice, polite way) to STOP! No one has the right to pollute the air others have to breath.

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places.

but I do make it to a point to be courteous to the non-smokers especially when there's children and pregnant women around.

Before I light a cigarette, I check whether its a non-smoking or not, it's an open air place or not and if my companions are smokers or not.

COURTESY is still the best policy in this matter.

do u have children? if yes, it would be ok for me to sit by u and ur children while i puffed smoke nr ur children,if no is the answer,and i am sure U WOUDNT LIKE IT, THEN RESPECT OTHERS,

surely just having smoking areas would get round the problem? in countries where they do the whole zero tolerance of smoking thing, it seems just a tad drastic. Smoking areas where non-smokers don't have to go, instead of a blanket ban which encourages smokers to light up in packs.

There, problem solved

lol, I can get away with it....so I do it!

u are right,these people who smoke in coffee shops in the malls are ignorant, and they smell of cigerettes, yuck, horible habit

smoking in non-smoking places are those who are insensitive..have attitude problems...or just ignorant..lol..;)

mmmm starbucks do a fab coffee made better because I can smoke ;)

i'll smoke to that

like SPEED u mean...

I speak up when I see the rude guys sitting at coffee shops in malls smoking. They talk back, but I talk louder :D ..

Good luck to those who will fight it.

.

.

.if it is a non smoking /a.c. inclosed place, and somebody is smoking in my face, for sure that somebody will receive an award from me....

.

As long as I can light up in my house when I'm having a nervous breakdown. Then no problem

smoking is bad. really.. why would you do that to a cigarette... why??!??

The only triving business without advertising.

Yes lets get started.