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Gambia News : Gambia bans smoking in public places
The Gambian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has banned smoking in
all public places in accordance with a nation-wide regional
consultation on the Prohibition of Smoking Act of 1998.
A statement from the ministry urged all heads of institutions,
organisations, and other public places to comply with the provisions of
the act, which takes effect Friday, as smoking would be allowed only in
clearly labelled designated smoking areas.
“Any person who
contravenes the provision of the Act commits an offence and is liable
on conviction to a range of fines or to a term of imprisonment of not
more than three months or to both fine and imprisonment,” the health
ministry stated.
The statement also noted that smoking in public
places was prohibited by an act of parliament, under the Prohibition of
smoking (public places) Act of 1998.
It pointed out that the act
was assented to by President Yahya Jammeh on 23 September 2008, thereby
making public smoking unlawful and punishable by law.
“The Act
defines public places to include all government premises, all work
places, hospitals or health facilities, private premises, vehicles and
shops to which the public have access,” the statement explained.
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- Am very confident,The president is doing everything he can to make Gambia a home of every normal human beings.Am sure the next generation will also enjoy the fruit of good heath and loving society.If we work together, we will always be successful.BJ
(Posted on February 27, 2010, 2:18 PM bob J)
- Job well done. kudos to the dept of health. This is the 1st phase, now comes the 2nd phase,educating the public of the effect of 1st a & 2nd hand smoke, to pregnant women, children, and the vast population at large. definition public required clarity
(Posted on December 17, 2009, 11:28 PM abdou rahman Jobe)
- Oh no! Why is everyone trying to muck-up my life and only pleasure and the lives of all smokers? Most smokers like me don't drink or take drugs it is so unfair. This could also affect profitability of businesses. The law is also unclear.
(Posted on November 29, 2009, 12:20 AM tam)
- Congratulations to the department of health. This law will make an important difference to the health of Gambians for years to come. Well done!
(Posted on August 20, 2009, 8:14 PM tom peto)
- Great move that smoking is being banned in public places. But which Public places are we talking about? It should be clearly define to avoid misunderstanding. For example, crowded places like offices, schools, resturants, night clubs etc.
(Posted on April 20, 2009, 7:06 PM Sabai)
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