Smokers woke up to a new strict anti-smoking law – that went into effect in Israel today — now banning them from lighting up at bus stops, train platforms, outdoor swimming pools and concert venues.
Also off-limits are government offices, places of worship, community centers, public bomb shelters, old-age homes, or exhibition halls. It is also forbidden to smoke within 10 meters of the entrance to a hospital or medical clinic.
Fines for those caught smoking in prohibited places run between $375 for the culprit to $1275 for the owner of the location.
Government workers caught smoking in public buildings could see a cut in their salary.
The Israel Cancer Association (ICA) was among the first 10 places to secure a law prohibiting smoking in public places. The ICA reported recently that the smoking rate among Israeli adults aged 21 and over stands at 20.6 percent — the lowest level ever recorded in Israel.
Smoking will be allowed in restaurants and bars in specially marked areas outside the premises that do not exceed 15-square-meteres.
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