NO SMOKING IN KARABAKH
KarabakhOpen
13-02-2008 11:05:13
Yesterday the Azat Artsakh official newspaper published the law on sale
and use of tobacco. According to the law which will come into effect in
a month bans smoking in public places, including educational, cultural
institutions, transport, in all kinds of organizations. Certainly,
except for special rooms which should be set up in every office. The
law also bans selling cigarettes to children under 18.
The law was passed in December and was one of the few bills against
which several members of parliament voted (in the Karabakh parliament
bills are passed unanimously or with only one nay). Apparently, some
members of parliament imagined the threat they will be exposed to,
and revolted.
However, the law does not provide for sanctions against wrongdoers. The
sanctions will be set by the government. Supervision will be carried
out by the special body which will also be appointed by the government.
Meanwhile, people apparently are still unaware that in a month their
life will change completely. The drivers of buses do not know that
in a month they will not be allowed to smoke in the bus, doctors do
not know that soon they will not be allowed to smoke in their office,
and senior school students do not know that smoking at school will
be banned by not only the school rules but also the law.