MASEBO BANS SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES

The Zambian government has banned smoking in public places and those found wanting would be liable to pay a fine of K400, 000 or imprisonment for a term of up to two years.
This is according to local government and housing minister Sylvia Masebo, who said she signed a Statutory Instrument that came into effect on May 27, 2008.
She said the public places include all public buildings, streets, offices, bus stations, conveniences and other places to be prescribed.
“It is our hope that all stakeholders such as hotels and restuarants would help us effect this law by way of erecting posters and signs against smoking,” she said.
The Statutory Instrument is number 39 of 2008, titled the Local Government (prohibition of smoking in public places) regulations, 2008.
Masebo said smoking was a hazardous exercise especially to passive and non-smokers, hence, the special attention it has received.
Masebo said the keep Zambia clean and healthy campaign needed to start with personal hygiene, and smoking was not one of the best examples for the clean-up.
“I have been compelled to issue the above Statutory Instrument because of the continued smoking in public places by persons that have no regard for the comfort of others,” she said.
Masebo said this during a press briefing in Lusaka on May 28.