ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT CRACKS DOWN ON SMOKING

/ARKA/
April 7, 2009
YEREVAN

The Armenian Parliament has adopted in their second reading draft
amendments to the RA Law on Restrictions to Sales and Use of Tobacco
Products, RA Code on Administrative Offences and to the RA Law on
Motor Transport.

One of the authors of the draft amendments, Chairman of the Standing
Committee on Health Care Ara Babloyan reported that the amendments
oblige employers to organize smoking areas or smoking rooms.

"No smoking" posters must be put up to prevent smoking outside smoking
areas, Babloyan said.

He pointed out that the amendments to the RA Code on Administrative
Offences provide responsibility for violations. Specifically, a 5,000
AMD fine will be imposed for smoking outside smoking areas at the
airport and while using public transport.

The amendments prohibit smoking in taxis even if passengers do not
mind the drivers’ smoking.