Lebanon: Orders strict application of tobacco control law

Police chief Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi ordered security forces Saturday to strictly apply the tobacco control law in the country and fine violators. “Head of the Internal Security Forces Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi issued an order commanding [law enforcement] sectors to be strict in fining violations related to the promotion of tobacco in Lebanon starting 3/3/2012 in coordination with judicial and administrative authorities,” the statement released by the ISF said.   Starting Saturday, tobacco companies will be banned from sponsoring any type of sports, musical or cultural activities. The law, passed by Parliament six months ago, also bans the promotion or free distribution of any type of tobacco and bans tobacco advertisements on billboards and in the media and forbids posters promoting tobacco products from being displayed in shops. Any violation will result in a fine ranging between LL1.5 million and approximately LL44 million.