Parents will pay fines for children that smoke

The Tobacco Control law that prohibits smoking in public places will become operational by March 1st.

The State Chief Inspector of the State Specialized Inspection Agency, Ch.Tumenkhuu, gave some details about the smoke-free rules and the possible punishments for law breakers.

-Which public places will smoking be prohibited in according to the law on tobacco control that will be implemented by March 1st?

-The law on Tobacco Control was passed last October. The law will be enforced starting on March 1st. The law has some new amendments regarding smoke-free areas which are clearly stated and the punishments for law breakers will be tightened.

According the law on Tobacco Control it is prohibit to smoke in indoor workplaces, indoor public places such as bars, restaurants, cafes, public foyer in hotels, offices and within 500 meter areas of schools and outdoors in forested areas.

The law on Tobacco Control regulates smoking restrictions on airliners, public transport, trains, in gas station, public stations, tunnels, public eateries, public service offices, state agencies, kindergartens, every schools, universities and dorms, apartment entry ways and elevators.

-What punishments will be imposed to law breaker?

-The law stipulates that a citizen who violated the law by smoke in a smoke-free area will be given a 50,000 MNT fine. If the law breaker is a state agent the imposed fines will be worth10-25 times the national minimum wage, a legal party will be imposed fines worth 25-50 times the national minimum wage.

-The law allowed smoking in bars and restaurants before the new amendments. Is this correct?

-Previously the law allowed there to be a smoking room in public eateries with more than two halls. It required that there be two different rooms for smokers and non-smokers. But the new law prohibits this.

-From what age is smoking banned and what are punishments for law breaking teenagers?

-There have been some changes in the law. Smoking is now prohibited for anyone who is under the age of 21, instead 18, as we acknowledge some bad habits. If a teenager is caught smoking in a prohibited area their parents will be charged the 50,000 MNT fine.

-What organizations will monitor the law when it is implemented?

-The Governor of the Administration, the State Specialized Inspection Agency, the Police and authorized officials will monitor the law implementation under the direction of the Government.

Authorities of organizations, companies and entities will take measures for controlling and monitoring themselves according to the law. A public control is also available.