Administrators lead the way in South Lebanon

Public administration buildings in South Lebanon are due to become tobacco smoke-free zones from March 1, according to a story by Mohammed Zaatari for the Daily Star that quoted an announcement by the South Lebanon Governor Mansour Daou.

The ban, part of Law 174, which prohibits smoking in all public places, will apply to all public administration buildings in the southern governorate, as well as police and military offices.

Those found to be in violation of the law will be liable to a fine of up to LL135,000.

The governor described the decision as a “civilizing” measure intended to curb the consequences of smoking, which he said were huge and affected everyone.

“We officials in public administration should be the first to implement Law 174 to serve as an example to others,” he added.

Smokers, however, will not be left with nowhere to go; as happens in some parts of the world, because special smoking zones will be created outside.

“They [smokers] will have to bear the cold of the winter and the sun of the summer and we will provide the ashtrays,” Daou said.