Jul 12 2008
Nationwide Ban on Smoking in India from Oct 2
Joining the growing list of countries enforcing total bans on smoking in enclosed spaces, the Indian government also announced a nationwide ban on smoking in public and private buildings in India from October 2 this year. The announcement was made on Friday, the World Population Day.
“From October 2 this year, nobody in India can smoke in buildings, both public and private. Anybody who wants to smoke can do so on the road,” Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said addressing a function in Patna.
Ramadoss said that if the urge for a quick puff proves too strong, then the smokers have to go out in the open space for that. Last year, the ban was restricted in workplaces, restaurants and hotels, includes theatres, pubs, bars, malls and any other enclosed spaces.
“Smokers can have a puff at the risk of their health in private, in their bedrooms, provided they have the permission of their wives,” Ramadoss said.
Countries like Japan and some parts of Australia (Queensland) and Ireland have a partial ban on smoking outdoors, especially near schools and hospitals. India is among 67 countries in the world to have imposed total or partial bans on smoking in public due to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke on the health and environment, but the inclusion of private buildings within its purview is a rarity.
