No entry for minors, pregnant women to shisha cafes

Ras Al Khaimah - RAK cafes warned against hefty fines if found violating the ban.

The Ras Al Khaima Municipality has banned those under the age of 18 and pregnant women from entering shisha cafes, even if they are accompanied by elders.
The ban, enforced on all the closed areas in the outlets serving shishas, followed a decision from the Department of Public Health and Environment under the municipality.
Munzir bin Shukr Al Zaabi, Director-General of the RAK Municipality, warned that erring cafes which violate the ban would be slapped with hefty fines.
"Even the shisha cafes, where smoking is allowed, should develop their customers' awareness about the dangers of smoking," he said.
"The move is actually meant to protect customers' life and health. Even if some customers choose to ignore the ban, no café is entitled to provide any service, food or drink to them."
To remain safer, the cafe manager would better report the defiant customer to the department to take whatever legal action it deems fit.
Al Zaabi said the RAK Municipality, in a bid to enlighten the public about the decision which has just taken effect, had earlier distributed brochures on the same at 75 shisha cafés operating in the emirate.
"Some parents take their young children to these shisha cafés and sometimes pregnant women are also seen. Even passive smoking can be life-threatening dangerous to their embryos."
Meanwhile, the Department of Economic Development, RAK, has imposed fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh20,000 on a number of shisha cafés in the emirate for other violations. "The 33 erring cafes failed to abide by uniform and cleanliness rules, and did not place the mandatory warning against smoking."
Khalifa Mohammed Almaktoum, Manager of the Health and Environment Department, RAK Municipality, said shisha cafes are denied permits to operate in residential areas. "They are only permitted at specific locations, at least 150 metres off populated districts, schools, mosques, residential buildings and alike."
Shisha and other tobacco products may never be served to those below 18 years of age, he noted. "Those under 8 are also banned from sitting at areas where shisha is served."
Dumping cigarette butts on the road or at public areas is also banned, and a fine of Dh500 shall be slapped on violators, Almaktoum warned.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

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• Ras Al Khaimah