Smoking ban strengthens in Azerbaijan
By Sara Israfilbayova
A list of non-smoking areas has been publicized in Azerbaijan.
In accordance with the draft law "On restrictions on the use of tobacco products", smoking is forbidden throughout the territory of various educational institutions, in hotels, health care facilities, rehabilitation centers, health resorts, social facilities, theaters and cinemas, at exhibitions, reading rooms, libraries, museums and other cultural institutions, in underground and overground crossings, buses (including intercity and international), taxis, metro, air, railway, sea and river transport, bus stops, railway stations, river and sea ports, airports, elevators, common areas of multi-apartment buildings, in buildings and enterprises where flammable substances are stored, on playgrounds, beaches, workplaces of organizations, enterprises, offices, regardless of organizational and legal form and ownership.
The bill suggests that in order to protect the environment and prevent diseases caused by tobacco smoking, state authorities may prohibit tobacco smoking in certain sections, buildings and facilities, change the tax and price policies to reduce the demand for tobacco products, prohibit or restrict the sale and advertising of tobacco.
The project also provides penalties for lack of a sign or notice, which prohibits smoking in institutions, offices and organizations. The fine for officials for lack of signs will be 400 manats (about $235), and legal entities will have to pay 1,000 manats ($587).
Such prohibitions already exist in such countries as the USA, Finland, Ukraine, Great Britain, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Syria, Egypt, etc.
There are countries that are ardent opponents of smoking. For example, Finland is a pioneer in fight against smoking and smokers. All the anti-smoking legislation enact in this country since 1977, including one of the most stringent restrictions -- it is forbidden to smoke even on your own balcony - smoke can reach non-smoking neighbors.
Finland is on its’ way to becoming the first country in the world to eradicate smoking. The goal is to set a smoke-free Finland by 2030.
Smoking is being prohibited as it is decreed that smokers’ habits are setting a bad example to others, particularly children. Also, active smokers can estimate the harm of tobacco on their health and decide whether to smoke or not, but those who are passive smokers had no choice here and passive smoking is more harmful for human body than active smoking.
Smoking is recognized as a chronic disease and included in the "International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems". There are more than 25 diseases that develop or their course worsens under the influence of smoking.
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