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A smoking ban would drive away customers, say restaurant managers.
Jump to full article: Express Tribune (pk), 2012-01-25
Author: Sonia Malik
Intro: Though a law banning smoking in public places exists the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Health Non-Smokers Ordinance of October 2002 – it is not enforced. The law outlines punishments for anyone advertising or selling cigarettes near educational institutions or to minors (fine of Rs5,000 or three months imprisonment). Those who smoke in public spaces or public transport can be fined Rs1,000 for the first offence and Rs100,000 for the second.
Under the ordinance, union council and tehsil officers, managers of restaurants, bus stops, train stations and airports, public transport drivers and heads of educational institutions were authorised to fine or lodge an official complaint against those smoking in public with the police. In March 2011, district officers of health, education, and revenue were told to implement the law and fine or lodge complaints against people smoking in public spaces.
But most restaurants allow some smoking.
Yousaf Aslam, who has worked at Coffee Tea and Company since 2003, says the cafe has tried various limits on smoking to satisfy its customers. “Not everyone can be satisfied,” he said. . . .
DO (Health) Haq Nawaz Bharwan was said only the Environmental Protection Department or Food Department could control smoking in restaurants. “It isn’t the job of the health department,” he said.
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