Smokers risk fines in Ajman parks UAE

It is getting tougher for smokers in the UAE with Ajman announcing a ban on cigarettes and sheesha in public parks on Saturday. Ajman Municipality issued an order banning smoking of any tobacco product or other environmentally harmful activities in public parks. Residents in Ajman who spoke to Gulf News welcomed the move and called for strict implementation of the order, with many expressing the view that it would help reduce pollution. The order stated that fines will be imposed on people found violating the new rule. A bylaw will be issued later to determine the fine in each case. Mohammad Suhail, 52, a resident said the ban will help families and especially children enjoy their visits to public parks in the emirate. The move came in line with activities organised by the civic body to mark World Anti-Tobacco Day. The Public Health and Environment Department in Ajman Municipality’s Hamidiya Centre inaugurated a number of schemes to raise awareness amongst its customers about the dangers of smoking to public health. Last month, Sharjah had announced that it was studying a law to ban the sale of tobacco products at groceries in areas where schools are located. Nada Al Suwaidi, Director of the Government Communications Department at Sharjah Municipality, said a law will soon be issued to ban the sale of cigarettes at groceries in the vicinity of schools. The move comes in response to complaints by school administrations about tobacco products being easily available to youngsters near school premises. Nada said health inspectors will carry out inspection campaigns to ensure that schools abide by the rules. From Gulf news.