Israel’s new smoking law goes into effect today, a law intended to protect non-smokers from second hand smoke. The new law prohibits smoking in public spaces around Israel, including central bus stations, covered bus stops, train platforms, government offices, hospital entrances and doorways, places of worship, swimming pools, theaters, restaurants and cafes.
The litmus test regarding the law’s success will depend on enforcement for if one is cited for violating the new smoking ban, one will receive a 1,000 NIS fine, a hefty amount that carries a powerful deterrence if Israelis know there will be enforcement. Seeking to encourage owners of areas where the smoking ban applies to act, they too face a fine, 5,000 NIS, with the hope the deterrence factor will encourage them to tell visitors “put out the cigarette”.
Activists who played a role in pushing the bill into law hailed the success, adding the dangers of secondhand smoke have long been established and it is high times that Israelis can breathe smoke free air when outdoors.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
Very nice idea. But nobody will enforce it, and nobody will care. I’d be amazed if more than 10 fines will be handed out over the course of a year.
Let them use the smart….idea from bloomberg of a very high tax on sigs. Maybe there it will work?!
how do they think to enforce this law?!!!!!!!!
especially in israel! with the heaviest smokers!!!!