subject: Over 72 people were caught smoking in public places [print this page] Over 72 people were caught smoking in public places
The Chapter 14 of Tobacco Order from 2005 caught 72 people smoking in public places. In the operation conducted by the Enforcement Unit of Tobacco Control Section, Ministry of Health at two shopping centres in Gadong, 62 of those caught, including six local women, were penalize $150 per person. The remaining 10 people were not adult, so their parents will be penalized. The law finds its offenders.
The press talked to a number of people to get comments and about the smokeless event. A 23-year-old smoker who wished to be known as John was surprised at the number of people caught smoking in public places.
"Although I'm a smoker myself, I think what the authorities are doing is good as after hearing about these fines, I would think before lighting up a cigarette in a public area," said John.
He also said that it (the operation) was good for free tobacco people as they don't need to breathe in second-hand smoke and it should also scare away the underage youths from smoking.
Woman who does not smoke will be graduating from Oxford Brookes University, in a interview said, "I agree it should be illegal to smoke in confined public places like in cafes."
A 39-year-old accountant from Kilanas, who used to be a tobacco consumer said, "It is a surprise to see underage youths being caught smoking nowadays," adding that he thinks parents and schools need to play their role in educating the students on the harm of smoking.
Meanwhile, during an operation a retail company has been charged a compound fine of $300 for failing to display the non-smoking images in one of the shops.
In a press release, the Ministry of Health reminded the public again that if anyone is caught smoking in public places such as shophouse sidewalks, shopping centres, markets, food stalls, bus stations, bus stops, restaurants and government buildings will be penalize for $150 for the first offence, $300 for the second offence. For subsequent offences, the offender will be brought to court and fined up to $1,000 if convicted.
In addition, failure to display the stop-smoking signs in shops selling tobacco is an offence under Chapter 11, Tobacco Order 2005. Any restaurant owner that fails to do so will be fined up to $10,000 if convicted.
