Shisha Banned From Iftar Tents in Dubai During Ramadan
By Febronia Hanna
Lots of children fall into the category of negative smokers in the UAE during the month of Ramadan, as in restaurants and cafes there are no separate sections for smokers and nonsmokers due to additional costs.
The shisha ban will start right after the canon is fired and until 9 pm, with the intention of protecting children, women, and non-smokers from the excess smoke.
The Municipality of Dubai is directing everyone to follow the act no. 15 of 2009 on tobacco control and its executive regulations; meaning areas where smoking is permitted should have good ventilation so if they want Shisha smoke in their tents they should obtain permits from the planning and buildings department and not change anything that was stated in the permit from the number of windows, to the number of chairs, in a tent as there should be one meter square per smoking customer.
“Applications are currently being vetted for the tent permits, two have been granted and eight applications were submitted in the E-system and are under consideration” stated to Dr. Nassim Rafi, Acting Director of Public Health and Safety Department at Dubai Municipality.
Hotels that want to apply for a Ramadan tent should also have the tents separated from the hotel’s entrance, bathrooms should be located in the non-smoker’s area and all fabrics inside should be fire-resistant.
