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Dubai: Shopping malls become smoke-free today, with the authority to refer smokers who flout the smoking ban to the police and municipality officials.
Under the regulations set by Dubai Municipality, smoking in shopping malls is prohibited except at designated smoking areas, which have to be approved by the municipality's Clinic and Community Health section. Malls also have to post notices and have staff on hand to inform their patrons of the smoking ban.
Sabina Khandwani, head of public relations and marketing at BurJuman Centre, told Gulf News the mall is ready to enforce the regulations.
"Our security will guide and inform smokers to the designated smoking areas. ... [if a dispute breaks out] the mall is authorised to refer cases to the police or Dubai Municipality," she said. "It's Ramadan ... people will work with the rules."
However, mall executives are unsure how to enforce the regulations for restaurants and cafes in the malls.
Tom Miles, senior retail general manager at Dubai Festival City, told Gulf News: "If the seating is enclosed [at mall restaurants and cafes] in their own space, then government has to do the regulation for that."
Your comments
It is a good decision. Even an enclosed area for smokers can pollute the area if the exhaust is not directed outside the mall.
Sivakumar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 15, 2007, 08:33
Good move! A similar rule should be brought into place for Dubai airports. I was at Terminal 1 on Thursday night and I could not find a spot to stand (outside the arrival gates) that was cigarette-smoke free.
Aqib
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 15, 2007, 05:24
This is way overdue! It is about time. I am sick of inhaling poison every time I walk though Dubai's malls with my family.
Imad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 15, 2007, 01:41
Having a smoking area inside a mall makes no sense. The only place where people should be allowed to smoke is at least 50-100 feet away from the mall entrances.
Duwaji
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 15, 2007, 01:07
At least now I can walk with my four-year-old son in the malls without having to worry about smokers and second-hand smoke.
Karkain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 15, 2007, 00:46
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