The president of the Senegalese League against tobacco (Listab), Dr Abdou Aziz Kébé, on Wednesday called for the application of the law prohibiting smoking in public spaces, spaces open to the public and private spaces including restaurants and the bars.
A TOBACCO PROHIBITED ALL OVER SENEGAL!
« Banning tobacco in public spaces is not enough to curb the phenomenon of smoking. We also call for a ban on smoking in private spaces because smokers kill 600.000 non-smokers annually. We do not accept this benevolent ban" , said Dr. Kassé in an interview with APA.
Since August 1, 2017, a decree of the Ministry of Health and Social Action prohibits smoking in public spaces open to the world, in application of the law of March 2014 prohibiting smoking "in public spaces and welcoming spaces. the public ”as well as tobacco advertising in Senegal.
This law promulgated a few weeks later by the Head of State, Macky Sall, who are " no smoking in all public spaces and public spaces " whose " schools, universities, health services"
It states that advertising (for tobacco) is prohibited in all its forms, whether direct or indirect "And also prohibits" sponsorship because we know that there are a lot of sports associations, events that can be sponsored by the tobacco industry and that is a form of advertising too.
The anti-smoking law came into effect since 12 August 2016 in Senegal, with the signing of the implementing decree by the head of state. It is now forbidden to smoke in public places. Anyone who does not comply with the law faces a fine ranging from 50.000 to 100.000 FCFA and a prison sentence of 10 years.
« As long as the six provisions of this law, namely the refusal of interference by the tobacco industry in health policies, the surtax on tobacco products, the ban on tobacco advertising, the listing of the dangers of tobacco on cigarette packs, the ban on tobacco in religious cities in Senegal, and the ban on tobacco in public spaces, are not enforced, it is impossible to reduce the number of deaths linked to smoking“, Continued Dr. Kassé.
To do this, he stressed that Senegalese society must advocate for a ban on tobacco in public and private spaces, sensitize populations for a change in behavior, propose models to be extended to all levels, issue alerts. and seek synergies at national and international level.
Source : Apanews.net/
