Kuwait to prohibit smoking in public

A number of citizens in Kuwait mentioned that they are supporting a 15-years old government legalization that prohibits smoking in public areas in the country. The recent public support is following news reported in local media discussing the starting of new arrangements, prepared by the Ministry of Health (MoH), in Kuwait to enforce that law.

The law was decided in 1995, while the new arrangements are going to include official collaboration between members of the ministries of health and interior. The collaboration means that officials from interior ministry will start fining individuals up to KD 50 for smoking in public places.

The non-smoking population in Kuwait welcomed the new arrangements, Abdulmajid Mashaan, a 29 year old non-smoker, said “It is indeed annoying to sit in a place filled with smoke,” he added “A few days ago I had to be in a coffee shop, where people were smoking. I had to go there to watch a football game, and by the time the game finished I was really exhausted, almost suffocated.” Moreover, Khaled Al-Enezi, who quitted smoking lately, said “Now I really understand how bad it is to be a smoker,” he continued “When I see someone who is smoking, I want to approach him, and tell him that he is sick, and that he should get help for his sickness.”

Even smokers showed positive attitude about the new arrangements, Ragheb Humoud, a 30-year-old smoker, said that he understands why such law should be activated, he said “I completely understand how smoking can be annoying for non-smokers, especially in enclosed areas, and I try not to smoke in public places when I can,” he continued “Yesterday for example I went to the airport, and I had to be there for about half an hour, but I didn’t smoke, I abstained from smoking until I got out.”

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