Al Ain intensifies anti-smoking campaign

The civic administration has intensified its efforts to prevent smoking in enclosed public places especially inside the shopping malls and commercial centres around the city. Smoking is prohibited by law at enclosed public places as authorities are committed to provide smoke-free environment to the residents. Al Ain Municipality has been implementing the law for the last several years and new drive has been launched to increase public awareness. Ahmad Nadar Al Neyadi, a senior official at the Public Health Department of Al Ain Municipality, said a campaign was initiated at the tree major malls of the city including, Bawadi Mall, Al Ain Mall, and Jimi Mall, to educate public through the display of posters and information screens. He said penalties would be imposed on violators after the start of the campaign. "Nobody will be toleratedto play with the health and safety of others," he said noting that health inspectors would be present at malls and other commercial places such as shops, cafes, and restaurants. People found violating the law would be imposed with a fine of Dh500. He said restaurants and cafes have been asked to meet the municipality's required conditions such as installation of smoke- exhaust system and fans to push the smoke away from the public areas. The municipality has a set of rules restaurants and café shops and the businessmen have been advised to follow them closely. Al Neyadi said the campaign aims at ensuring the implementation of the law and discourage smoking at enclosed public places. He asked the residents to extend their cooperation for the public safety by making suggestions and queriesand even reporting violations by calling at 993.