Bid to stub out office smoking,

MEMBERS of the public are being asked to “shop” businesses and employers — including government departments — which flout no-smoking laws, as a part of a new crackdown by health chiefs, almost 10 years after the ban was introduced.

Smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces was made illegal in October 2008, although the ban was not fully implemented until January 1, 2010.

Health Minister Filiz Besim announced this week that teams of inspectors would be sent out on a regular basis to enforce the law, which she said was the “primary responsibility” of her ministry.

“The inspections held since Monday in all enclosed areas include places such as the Tax Department and [electricity authority] KıbTek and they will continue to be done regularly,” she said.

Dr Besim said a team of 18 inspectors from the Basic Health Department would work in shifts around the country to carry out checks on public sector workplaces during the day and at “leisure venues” — such as restaurants, cafés, casinos, bars, discos and nightclubs — at night.

She also called on the public to “support the action” by informing the Health Ministry about potential culprits by making a complaint through its official website www.saglikbakanligi.com or by calling (0392) 228 3173.

Dr Besim said a dedicated hotline to report smoking ban violations would be established “soon” alongside a new advertising campaign, which she hoped would also encourage people to reduce how much they smoke.

She said the moves had become necessary because inspections had not been carried out for “some time”.

“Smoking in closed areas has to be prohibited,” she said.

“As everyone knows, the Protection from Tobacco Products’ Harm and Inspection [Act] 2008 . . . was not obeyed in all places.

“Although the law should have been applied, this was never the case and attempts to enforce it seemed to fail every time.

“It is known all over the world how smoking seriously harms an individual’s health and it is not acceptable that such a law is not enforced in our country.

“It is our duty as the Health Ministry to make sure the relevant practices are being carried out accordingly. We all need the law and health.”