Iranian parliament bans smoking in public places

The bill prohibits smoking in public groups, restaurants and even in private cars providing for a minimum fine of $12.5.

The Iranian parliament on Wednesday approved a bill prohibiting smoking in public places, IRNA reported.

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The bill prohibits smoking in public groups, restaurants and even in private cars providing for a minimum fine of $12.5.

It also restricts selling of cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18. Under the bill, an offender will have to pay a cash fine of $64, and his or her tobacco goods will also be confiscated.

If a person repeats the offence, the new law provides for a fine of $1,278.

The bill now awaits approval by the Guardian Council, which had rejected a similar bill last year, saying it was against national economic interests.

Health Minister Kamran Baqeri-Lankarani is an exponent of the non-smoking bill and has several times stated that he wants to finalise the bill under any circumstances.