Senate panel approves amended anti-smoking law

AMMAN – The Senate Health and Environment Committee on Wednesday approved the draft amendments to the Public Health Law as referred by the Lower House with some changes, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Jordan started prohibiting smoking in public areas in 2010, but there has been no real commitment to the implementation of the law, the chair of the committee, Senator Yassin Husban, said. 

Smoking contributes to increasing chances of heart disease, cancer and death, and it has a negative impact on the economy, Husban added.

Health Minister Ali Hiasat highlighted the importance of changing public conceptions about smoking, especially among families, to protect children and raise their awareness of the negative impact of the habit.

Under the new amendments, a prison term from one to three months or a fine no less than JD100 and no more than JD200 will be imposed on those caught smoking cigarettes or any tobacco product in public places.

Under the law, smoking is prohibited in hospitals, healthcare centres, schools, cinemas, theatres, libraries, museums, public and non-governmental buildings, public transport vehicles, airports, border crossings, stadiums, closed playgrounds, lecture halls, Internet cafés, tourism buildings and any other similar location.

Officials in charge of a public place allowing smoking or not posting a no-smoking sign face between three and six months in prison or a JD1,000-JD3,000 fine under the Lower House’s amendments.

As phrased by deputies, those caught smoking in public and private schools and kindergartens also face a prison term between three and six months or a fine from JD1,000 to JD3,000.