Addis Ababa bans smoking in public places

Addis Ababa, May 3, 2016 (FBC) – The Addis Ababa Food, Medicine and Health Care Administration and Control Authority has passed decision prohibiting smoking in public places.
Speaking at a relevant event organized yesterday, Mayor of Addis Ababa city administration, Diriba Kuma said realizing its economic, social and psychological impact, fighting tobacco smoking is a shared responsibility.

According to him, majority of tobacco smokers are in middle and low level income countries. Due to tobacco, people are dying and being exposed to several health hazards. Passive smokers are also victims of smoking.

For these reasons, the public have the responsibility to fight tobacco smoking in public gatherings, the Mayor said.

Addis Ababa Food, Medicine and Health Care Administration and Control Authority Director, Getachew Woreti, said smoking tobacco violates people’s right to live in a healthy and clean environment.

The regulation bans smoking in public conveyance, educational institutions, stadium, sport and recreational places, including in places where kids and pregnant women spend.