Abu Dhabi to ban smoking in malls soon

A draft law to this effect is currently being studied by municipality officials and it might take a month to complete the procedure, a municipality official told Khaleej Times yesterday.

According to the draft under study, shopping malls would have to designate a ‘smoking zone’ and people found smoking outside the ‘smoking zone’ in shopping malls would be fined Dh500 on the spot.

Shopping malls would be expected to put up ‘smoking not allowed’ signs to caution people against smoking.

According to the draft law, cafes, food outlets and restaurants in the malls, too, would have to designate areas for smokers. The municipality’s Public Services Section will monitor implementation of the rule.

“We will also issue advertisements in the media and put out posters and stickers cautioning people about the effects of smoking,” said Mohammed Zaytoun, senior architect in the City Image Section of the municipality.

A ban on smoking in beauty salons for men and women, and in health clubs is already in force since February. Any owner found violating the ban, is liable to pay Dh5,000 fine.

“However, we have not detected any violation in beauty salons and health clubs. Our inspectors regularly inspect these places,” said Omer Mohamed Al Hashmi, head of City Image Management Section in the municipality.