SMOKERS CAN LIGHT UP 3 METRES AWAY FROM EATERIES
Setting up special smoking zone will not be appropriate, says deputy health minister
DINERS can still smoke following enforcement of the smoking ban at eateries... as long as they stay 3m away from restaurants as they puff.
This was the advice from Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye to patrons who still wish to smoke after the ban comes into force nationwide next month.
This was his response to concerns raised by operators of eateries on whether they could set up a special smoking zone within the eateries when the ban comes into effect.
“That would not be appropriate and goes against the FCTC (World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control) guidelines. We are not in favour.
“Smokers can still smoke as long as they are 10 feet away from the non-smoking zone,” he said during a press conference at Parliament yesterday.
It was reported that the ministry would enforce the smoking ban at all restaurants and eateries beginning Jan 1.
From that date, patrons who caught smoking in eateries would be fined a maximum RM10,000 or jailed up to two years, while restaurant operators who failed to put up no-smoking signs face a fine not exceeding RM3,000 or jail time up to six months.
Lee said restaurant operators were required to take away ashtrays from dining tables and put up no-smoking signs in accordance with specification put forth by the ministry.
“If there are smokers who refuse to heed them, the premises owner can call the ministry’s hotline and lodge a complaint.
“This is to enable enforcement officers to go to the eatery (and deal with the culprit),” he said, adding that the 24-hour hotline number was 03-88924530.