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Shisha cafes to get grace period for relocation

DUBAI — Shisha cafes in the country will be given a one-year grace period to shift from residential areas after the federal anti-tobacco law comes into force by the year-end, according to a senior health official.

Currently, Dubai has imposed a blanket ban on smoking in public places which also applies to shisha cafes. However, as per the details of the draft anti-tobacco law, the cafes would be required to shift from residential areas even though they are operating indoors, said Dr Wedad Al Maidoor, head of the UAE’s National Tobacco Control Committee that has drafted the law in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC).

“Protecting the public from second-hand smoke is among the main clauses in the law,” she said.

Further announcements regarding the law and its regulations are expected on May 31 which is World No Tobacco Day.

Farmers and trading companies involved in tobacco trade will also be given two years to change their profession after the law comes into force.

Currently, the revised draft anti-tobacco law is being reviewed by the Federal National Council. If approved, the bill will then be submitted to the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who will sign it into law.

Protecting the public from second-hand smoke will also mean that smoking would completely be banned in closed areas except for designated places.