A partial smoking ban in hotels and restaurants is being enforced, with fines of up to BD1,000 being issued to those caught breaking the law.

It means customers will from now on only be able to smoke in designated areas.

Public health director Dr Khairya Moosa said all restaurants and hotels had been given enough time to comply with the new rules, which came into effect in April last year.

'We have started strict implementation more than nine months after the law was ratified by His Majesty King Hamad.

'We initially gave outlets six months to prepare but now have started implementation in a phased manner.

'Over a period of time we will cover the entire country. Their last chance is over.'

Any restaurants or hotels that do not have designated smoking zones will automatically be considered no-smoking, Bahrain Anti-Smoking Society chairman Dr Kadhem Al Halwachi said.

The clampdown also extends to any coffee shops selling sheeshas in parks, on the seafront or in any other public area.

Dr Al Halwachi revealed inspectors were now going from venue to venue to make sure the new rules were being followed, but members of the public would soon be able to report those who ignored the ban.

The new rules were introduced last year with the ratification of an anti-smoking law in April.

However, hotels and restaurants were given a grace period to set up designated smoking areas.

'The responsibility is on hotel and restaurant owners to let customers know they are not allowed to smoke unless it is in a designated area,' Dr Al Halwachi said.

Violations

'Teams of inspectors are randomly checking all places, but we have to eventually involve the public in letting us know of any violations,' the society chairman added.

Although the ban extends to coffee shops, only those in family recreation areas - such as King Faisal Corniche in Manama - are affected.

'However, coffee shops on street corners and roadsides are not covered since they are not considered recreation areas,' added Dr Al Halwachi.

The society has spearheaded efforts to combat smoking.

It is also responsible for the clampdown in restaurants and hotels, having for years campaigned for anti-smoking legislation.

Dr Al Halwachi admitted that the campaign had not proven popular among hotel and restaurant owners, who are upset that those with designated smoking areas could have an advantage.

'We have been told that most restaurants and hotels have been designed in such a way that they are unable to have smoke-free areas, so they are forced to have the entire area smoke-free.

'This, they say, gives an unfair advantage to those places that are able to comply and are able to attract smokers,' he added.

He also said hoteliers preferred a complete smoking ban in all restaurants and hotels, since that would level the playing field.

'However, it is not easy to change the provisions of the law so easily and quickly and it is not practical as well,' said Dr Al Halwachi.

'We are discussing the matter further and will arrive at a conclusion shortly,' Dr Al Halwachi added.

Under the new legislation, children should not be allowed into smoking areas even if they are accompanied by an adult.

Smoking areas should not exceed 50 per cent of the total area of a restaurant.

They must be properly sealed with automatic doors and exhaust facilities.

To report hotels and restaurants that ignore the new smoking rules, call 39427743 or 17288888 and ask for the Public Health Directorate.-TradeArabia News Service