**A decree banning smoking in Syrian cafes, restaurants and other public spaces has entered into force.**The decree also outlaws smoking in educational institutions, health centres, sports halls, cinemas and theatres and on public transport.
Workers must not smoke during meetings and businesses need to provide well-ventilated areas for smokers.
The restrictions include the nargile, or hubble-bubble pipe, which is popular among locals and tourists.
The decree signed by President Bashar al-Assad, a qualified medical doctor, imposes a fine of up to $800 (£518) on those who break the ban.
The Syrian government has passed several laws restricting smoking in the last two decades.
A decree in 1996 banned tobacco advertising while a 2006 law outlawed smoking on public transport and in some public places, introducing fines for offenders. Under-18s are not allowed to buy tobacco.
The World Health Organization is unable to provide details on tobacco consumption in Syria, but levels of smoking in public is high across the Arab world, especially among men.
Iraq’s cabinet recently agreed a draft law outlining similar measures, causing uproar amongst smokers.This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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