Turkey smoke-free environment
01/03/2010 in Local
Turkey was awarded in the United States for its efforts to create a smoke-free environment. The “Global Smoke Free Partnership” award was given to the Turkish National Committee on Smoking and Health which has been working for 20 years to create a smoke-free environment with participation of more than 40 state institutions and non-governmental organizations.
Professor Elif Dagli, chairperson of the committee, received the award at a ceremony at the Hilton Baltimore Hotel. Speaking at the award ceremony, American Cancer Society Chairman Thomas Glynn said that despite all pressure by giant cigarette industry, Turkey had applied the smoking ban in public places successfully. He said that Turkey was the first Muslim country which put into practice a nationwide smoking ban.
The Global Smoke Free Partnership is a multi-partner initiative formed to promote effective smoke-free air policies worldwide. The Partnership is coordinated by the American Cancer Society and the Framework Convention Alliance with contributions of nearly 20 partners.
Turkey banned smoking on public transportation and in workplaces and malls in May 2008. It gave extra time to restaurants, bars and cafes to bring themselves in compliance with the smoking ban law. Expanded smoking ban went into effect across Turkey on June 19, 2009.Accordingly, it is illegal to smoke in coffeehouses, cafeterias, pubs, narghile-smoking places, clubs of associations and foundations, restaurants, taxis, mass transportation vehicles of highway, railway, seaway and airway.
Under the law, making advertisement and promotion of tobacco products as well as names and brands of producer companies is forbidden too. Turkey is the seventh country in the European continent which bans smoking in all enclosed public places.
Recent public surveys indicated that smoking ban led to a significant decrease in number of addicts.
Jeff "Turkey" Scott said on 26/03/2010
Good for them. We could use a greater freedom from smoking. Maybe Turkey will serve as an example for other nations.
Vickig said on 15/09/2010
Really is smoking banned in all public ares in every place in Turkey?
It just having come back from a holiday in Gumbet i can tell you it isnt working there. My partner doesnt smoke at all and i am an occasional smoker. We found every place we ate in was surrounded by tables of people smoking. It kinda ruined eating out for my partner, i wasnt that bothered but i felt for him.
It isnt just tourists being ignorant, the waiters give you ashtrays and occasionally sit with you to smoke.
I must say while staying in Olu Deniz last year we didnt have this problem, hardly saw anyone smoking. But again most places had ashtrays on the tables.
Bodrum said on 25/09/2010
well everyone will understand soon and stop smoking soon because its cheap and no body cares for health