The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has vowed to step up its anti-smoking awareness programmes as part of its annual anti-tobacco campaign.
In collaboration with a number of educational institutions such as the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), the Supreme Council of Health held a series of lectures on the risks associated with tobacco and passive smoking.
The head of Health Promotion and Non-Communicable Diseases, Dr Sheikha al-Anoud bint Mohamed al-Thani, explained that the Smoking Control Unit is responsible for the implementation of The Emiri Law No 20 of 2002 on the control of tobacco and its derivatives.
Reviewing the main features of this law, Dr Sheikha al-Anoud said it contained a range of stringent restrictions and control on the import, sale and circulation of tobacco and tobacco products.
"According to this law, smoking is forbidden in closed public places, including means of transportation, schools, hospitals, clinics, government institutions, ministries, sport clubs, theatres, lifts, shopping centres, industrial buildings and restaurants," she said.
"Shops are prohibited from selling tobacco products within 500m of schools or educational institutions," she added.
The sale of tobacco products to those under 18 years is also prohibited.
"The seller cannot be exonerated on the guise of ignorance about the reality of the buyer's age," Dr al-Anoud concluded. Enditem |
