Massive Fines introduced for breaking smoking laws!
Motorists found smoking in vehicles in the presence of children under the age of 18 will now be slapped with fines of up to QAR 3,000, according to Law No. 10 of 2016 on the control of tobacco and its derivatives.
The new law was signed by the Emir only yesterday to discourage the use of tobacco particularly among young people in Qatar, local daily Al Sharq reported.
The law has set out measures to curb the import and local use of tobacco products including sweika and a ban on electronic cigarettes.
Violators will face harsh jail sentences not exceeding six months and fines not more than QR100,000.
The law bans smoking in closed public places and stipulates fines not less than QR1,000 and not more than QR3,000.
Qatar had already banned the sale of cigarettes to children and anyone under the age of 18. Sellers must confirm the age of the customers by checking their ID.
Stores that are within a 1,000 meters from schools and other educational institutions are also banned from selling tobacco products.
Outlets found violating the law may face closure for one month in the first instance, two months if caught for a second time and up to three months if the offence is repeated again.
Major talking points:
- jail sentence up to 6 months and/or fines up to QAR100,000
- ban on electronic shisha's and all other online transactions for shisha and tobacco
- QAR3000 fine for smoking in closed public areas
- QAR3000 fine for smoking while driving with a minor (less than 18 years old)
- 5% of customs from tobacco will go for health awareness campaign
- ban on exporting/importing chewable tobacco
- ban on selling tobacco to anyone under 18 years of age
- ban on branding and promoting tobacco
- ban on smoking in public spaces (like malls) outlined by minister of public health
-ban on selling tobacco near schools (within 1000 meters)
Sources: Al Sharq, The Peninsula, Doha News
If a father do not want his son to smoke. Then better the father doesn't smoke in front of his kid or without the kid notice.
Because your son also smoke without your notice.
It applies to all the incidents.
Hmm I won't have any babies then until they're 18...
It would be easier to have a fixed fine of 3000 QR - period
I am afraid it might end up just like the 'no mobile while driving' law. I see them use the phone all the time and everywhere, but I never see them being fined by police.
Guess it depends on your skin color, brit, or maybe on the cigarette brand.
zafirah, the wise and beautiful .....
Brit, the "nationality" is the deciding factor..... :)
you know...
A wise move and one that I hope will be vigourasly enforced...
I'm confused about the fines though - Who decides whether the fine is 1000 QR or 3000 QR ?