15 October, 2007

Smoking in Dubai

I am sure there is someone out there who can tell me what are the actual laws are now on smoking inside in Dubai because I am really confused. As I udnerstood it smoking in all malls is now banned and smoking in restaurants and / or bars (only in malls?) is restricted to those outlets with their own air-conditioning systems.

Is this correct? If so does anyone know why the Agency Wine Bar in Emirates Towers still allows smoking in their 'outside' area?

What are the laws of smoking in bars / restaurants not in malls?
What about hotels?

Does anyone know of what further amendments in the law are in the pipeline?

Answers on a postcard please.

Thanks!

5 comments:

B.D. said...

The move seems counterintuitive, unless you're a monopoly. Ah yes, like many things in this country it is virtually monopoly control, so they can do what they want. It's time for the government to allow competition in this sector. The general trend is to allow credit card usage for the added convenience of shoppers. In a competitive market the convenience of shoppers becomes an issue. Also, the international policy of the credit card companies is to disallow added charges on credit card purchases. This is clearly an effective business strategy which makes the use of the cards more attractive.

The bottom line is that when people use credits cards they simply buy more and more often, thus merchants benefit even if they are paying some handling fees to the banks. So, it is a combination of poor business acumen and the existence of their monopoly that has these petrol stations going against the flow. In other words they're STUPID. I'll fill up at ADNOC.

moryarti said...

right comment, wrong post ;)

Dubai Blogger said...

First read this...."The move is the second phase of Dubai’s smoking ban, following new regulations on May 31 to ban smoking in government buildings, schools and colleges as the first step in a plan to stub out smoking across the Gulf Arab trade and tourism hub by the end of 2009.

The third phase is set to start on November 15 and will include a blanket ban on smoking in educational establishments, hair salons, health clubs, internet cafes, foodcourts and offices."

Here is the link: http://www.arabianbusiness.com/499304-no-smoking-areas-set-up-in-dubai-malls

I am assuming hotels are not in the mix yet and they make their own rules as long as they are not violating the above.

Call the bar and ask.

DBlogger

Seabee said...

In malls the municipality said it would be the responsibility of the mall operator to enforce the ban but that no fines would be imposed. I've been surprised that people generally seem to be accepting the ban - I haven't seen anyone smoking in the malls other than in restaurants & coffee shops. Like you I'm confused about what's permitted and what's not in eating places, and I'm sure most people are equally confused. In Dome at Madinat Jumeirah for example the smoking area is right inside, next to the food counter. Very strange.

Anonymous said...

I think no one got the meaning of 'on a postcard' hmhb, except for moryarti, and that again maybe becoz he had nothing relevant to say to the post himself! ;)

Post a Comment

NOTE: By making a post/comment on this blog you agree that you are solely responsible for its content and that you are up to date on the laws of the country you are posting from and that your post/comment abides by them.

To read the rules click here

If you would like to post content on this blog click here