BATN Supports Anti-smoking Law

Source from:  The Punch 05/16/2014

The British American Tobacco Nigeria, has expressed support for the Lagos State Public Place Smoking Law, describing it as laudable.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, had in February signed into law a bill by the House of Assembly, prohibiting people from smoking in certain public places.

The law, which takes effect in August, prohibits people from smoking in and around hospitals, public transport and private cars where there is more than one occupant, school buses, cinemas, shopping malls and retail centres.

At a one-day advocacy and sensitisation campaign held in Lagos on Tuesday, a representative of BATN, Mr. Sola Dosunmu, said the company had also been sensitising its trade partners, through forums, to the new law.

Fashola, who was represented at the forum by the special adviser on health, Dr. Yewande Adesina, had said the state owed its residents the responsibility of ensuring good health which should not be endangered by another person's social or life habits.

He said, "It is a fact that there is a growing concern worldwide to regulate smoking in public places because of its effect on the smoker and the unsuspecting victim or secondary smoker.

"If you must smoke, do so with decency and protect other people from its deleterious effect.

According to Dosunmu, the law is welcomed.

The new law, which will be enforced by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency as well as other allied law enforcement agencies, states that owners of hotels, bars, night clubs and tertiary institutions should demarcate at least 10 per cent of their premises as designated smoking areas.

It also states that roads, streets and highways are not public places under the definition of the law and so, no enforcement will be carried out in such areas.

"We have studied the law and we particularly like the fact that it is balanced and respects choices. We commend the Lagos States House of Assembly for considering the views of all stakeholders who participated in the public hearing, making sure it is inclusive and non-discriminatory," Dosunmu stated.

He added that the six-month grace period was also commendable as it would give those affected by the law enough time to implement changes envisaged under the new law.

"This will give them ample time to make the necessary adjustment in full compliance with the law," he said.　Enditem