Nepal bans smoking in public places

Ban on smoking in public places will be enforced from Sunday with the Tobacco Control and Regulatory Act-2010 coming into effect. Those smoking in public places will be fined and civil servants will be liable to departmental action. Government offices, corporations, educational institutions, libraries, airports, public vehicles, orphanages, childcare centres, cinema halls, homes for the elderly, cultural centres, children's gardens, hotels, restaurants, resorts, girls' and boys' hostels, department stores, religious sites and industries have been designated no-smoking zones. Health Secretary Sudha Sharma said mass awareness campaign highlighting punishment will be carried out. She also said an inter-ministerial coordinating committee has been formed to enforce the law to ensure people's right to health. Pasting no- smoking notices at every public place will be mandatory. According to The Himalayan Times daily, the ban covers sale of tobacco products and single sticks within a 100-meter radius of educational and health institutions, children's homes, child care centers and home for elders. Anyone selling tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 years and pregnant women will be fined. The Act also prohibits advertising and sponsoring programs in the name of tobacco-related products through media. Offenders will be fined. The government's mass awareness campaign will cover the entire country to ensure effective implementation of the Act.