The Qatari government has been urged to ban smoking in public places, reported the Gulf Times newspaper on Monday.
The call was made by chairman of Qatar National Cancer Society (QNCS), Sheikh Khalid bin Jaber al-Thani.
"Smokers kill themselves besides killing others. Passive smoking is dangerous. Smokers have no right to put others at risk," he told the paper.
“Although the government had restricted smoking in government offices, it did not seem very effective. The government's decision to slap additional duty on tobacco hasn't brought down cigarette sales either,” he said.
"I believe no one has a right to smoke in open places. I hate smokers. And I am uncomfortable sharing a platform with smokers," he said.
Asked whether a ban on smoking in public places would be effective, he said legislation could help change the situation drastically. When Qatar Airways and Gulf Air banned smoking in their flights, some thought it was a senseless act.
"I don't believe the two airlines have suffered on account of their no-smoking policy. I congratulate the two airlines and request others to follow them," Sheikh Khalid said – Albawaba.com
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