FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO IMPOSE # 50, 000 OR JAIL FOR SMOKING.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT  TO IMPOSE # 50, 000 OR JAIL FOR SMOKING.
APRIL 12, 2014.   BY DAMWIZ.   LEAVE A COMMENT.

Smokers may soon face tough times as the Draft Tobacco Control Bill 2014 seeking to subject smokers to a N50,000 fine and six-month imprisonment has been approved by the Federal Executive Council.

Health Minister Onyebuchi Chukwu told journalists after the FEC meeting that the proposed bill was meant to protect Nigerians against the harmful effects of Tobacco.

The Minister however said that certain public places would be designated non-smoking areas.

When the bill becomes law anyone caught smoking in such non-smoking areas would pay a N50,000 fine and/or serve a six month jail term.

"If you ever decide to go to a place that has been clearly designated non-smoking area, you’ll be liable to being prosecuted and then the law will take its course," he warned.

The bill also seeks a ban of tobacco products advertising, either in broadcast, print or outdoor format.

“Advertisement [of tobacco] is totally banned under this law so you cannot just go and advertise,” Onyebuchi said.