Jump to full article: AP, 2009-08-06
Author: HADEEL AL-SHALCHI (AP)
Intro: The Iraqi Cabinet has approved a draft bill to ban smoking in public places, a government spokesman said Thursday. It's the first such bill in a country where lighting up is virtually a rite of passage for most young men.
The law aims to curb the number of people who start smoking and raise awareness about the dangers of cigarettes, spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said. For passage, the draft still needs approval in parliament, which is in recess until September.
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If passed, the Iraqi law would be one of the region's most comprehensive bans, similar to many laws in the U.S. and Europe.
The Iraqi law would make smoking illegal in public places, such as government buildings, schools, movie theaters and in public transportation. The media also would be banned from advertising cigarettes.
It also would ban the sale of cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18 and fine anyone who is caught selling with up to 5 million Dinars, or about $4,300.
Al-Dabbagh said the law also would require cigarette companies to put warning labels on packages. . . .
Cigarettes are so inexpensive in Iraq "that even a poor boy can buy them," Hussein also said.
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