Anti-smoking law comes into effect

Local dailies reported that strict rules curbing the sale and advertisement of tobacco come into force last month in UAE. The legislation makes it illegal to smoke in a vehicle when a child under 12 is present, forbids the sale of cigarettes to under-18s and bans tobacco advertising and promotion. Advertisers who flout the rules could face fines of up to Dh1 million, while those breaking the underage smoking rule risk a fine of between Dh500 and Dh10,000. Smoking in houses of worship or educational institutions, such as universities and schools, is also banned, as is the sale of sweets that resemble tobacco products and selling tobacco from a vending machine.