The Ministry of Public Health has announced that the phased implementation of the tobacco control act has started.

The Act provides for a ban on smoking in indoor public places, indoor work places and public transportation, and only in specified outdoor places including the premises of schools and health facilities, and places for the commercial service of food and drinks.

According to the Ministry, The Tobacco Control Act regulates where persons can smoke tobacco products in order to protect others from exposure to dangerous secondhand smoke, “but it does not ban smoking”.

In August 2017, the Tobacco Control Act became law after passage by the National Assembly and assented to, by the President.

Initially, enforcement will focus on the tobacco industry.

According to the Ministry, it will meet with the tobacco industry in January 2018 to inform them of the implementation of the complete ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

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