Smoking banned in public places

KATHMANDU: From today, as per the Tobacco Control and Regulation Act 2010, smoking is banned in the public places. Any one breaching the law will be fined Rs 100. The ban covers sale of tobacco products and single sticks within a 100-metre radius of educational and health institutions, children’s homes, child care centres and home for elders.

Moreover, anyone selling tobacco products to person under age of 18 years and pregnant women will be fined upto Rs 10000. The Act also prohibits advertising and sponsoring programmes in the name of tobacco-related products through media.

This step of act from the Health Ministry is definitely a correct one, and long awaited, before people could not raise their voice against smokers in public places, but now with the government act on their side, they can raise their concern and stop them to do so. It has definitely given power to the citizens and will not only save life of the smoker but will also help the non-smokers, which will help the country to prosper in long term. However, the enforcement and the acceptance of this act is yet to be seen.

The government has played its part, now its in the hand of the citizens to implement this act and help make the nation Tobacco free zone.