Smokers Pay 15,747 Ytl In Two Months For Violating Smoking Ban

ANKARA - Smokers paid 15.7 thousand YTL (almost 13.1 thousand USD) in two months for violating law that bans smoking in closed areas.
Finance Ministry executives said on Thursday, "we think that around 300 people smoked in closed areas in the past two months."
Smoking was banned in closed areas throughout Turkey under the provisions of Law to Prevent Dangers of Tobacco Products that went into effect on May 19th.
According to a Prime Ministry notice clarifying the law, smoking was banned in closed areas like public buildings (including the corridors), education and health institutions, culture and sports areas and transportation vehicles.
According to the notice, closed areas, including tents and sunshades, with a roof would be a non-smoking area. All areas whose surrounding were partially covered also became non-smoking zones.
The ban said those who defy the ban would be subject to pay a fine of 62 YTL and those who throw the package of the cigarette and cigarette ends will have to pay a fine of 20 YTL.
The ban will be valid in restaurants, coffeehouses and cafeterias as of July 19th, 2009.
(AY-MS)