Watch out if you break the law re non-smoking

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 20:16

Whether you agree with the new law or not - it IS law and the Government is in the process of making eveyrone aware that caught smoking in a non smoking estbalishment, or allowing smoking to happen, there is a fine of 2,400TL (or roughly £1000 sterling).



Just how much is Lady Nicotine worth to anyone?

clarets



Joined: 08/01/2009
Posts: 752

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 20:30

Thats fantastic Marion.......I do just wonder about enforcements though!

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 20:32

I agree but if they fine one then they should fine all the culprits, but are there enough Police to go round looking as most of them are sitting in bars smoking

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 21:59

V alid point, Smithy, but I am assured from a reliable source that the Government is going to be looking around and seeking revenue. (That might let some of us from too many speeding fines!!!! - they need the money!)

Seriously, they probably don't have enough police, and I have no idea where they will choose to go, but for some of my restauranteur friends just the thread is enough to keep them on the straight and narrow.

Fear often is more effective than encouragement!

So, we will all have to wait and see.

Stonehousepub


Joined: 21/05/2009
Posts: 755

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 22:26

The fine is 120tl (10% of the national minimum wage)...

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 22:38

Interesting! We already have two ideas on funds. I was told by a lady who runs one of the most popular cafes in town that it was 2,400 - she told me in both English and Turkish. It is obvious I must double check on this, but can't get to see the Health Minister for about 10 days, so we will see what he says.

In the meantime if anyone has anything in writing over this, perhaps we can glean the truth of the fine.

Where did you get you rinfo Stonehouse? I hate to pass on wrong info, but as I say, that is what I was told.

Maybe we should look for the notices around the place.

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 22:44

I suppose we have to hope that this is not a "2 tiered system" of fining smokers?

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 22:55

I wouldnt mind if it was smokers commenting on this thread.

My house is open to smokers only.



So,get a life none smokers.



I got around that in uk and sure they will here as well,

how?simple.

Turn the sign to "close" when shops full.

and then

PUFF ALONG

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 23:03

MarieB



You're a journo, use your sources, the 120tl is for customers caught doing the deed.



As usual here it is a %age of the minimum wage.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
04/01/2010 23:05

hi news what is the fine for owners as im getting conflicting reports.what to stay within the law xx

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
05/01/2010

I will try to find out, but as you know in this place there are conflicting stories on most things - whether it is a driving licence, immigration etc, etc, but I will try . I reallybelieved my source today and will do some double checking soon, but can't domuch until later in the week.



But of course, if everyone stays within the law, then no fines will be due. The moral is, do what Lilli has done and all restaurant owners to make the premises Non-smoking (I know of several who have taken the ash trays away from what was the 'smokers section',) and don't try to light up and embarrass the restaurant owner. Then no one can be caught out, and no fines paid and no one crying their smoke free soup!



But I WILL double check a.s.a.p.

Stonehousepub


Joined: 21/05/2009
Posts: 755

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 00:12

I am pretty sure that the fine is 120tl, but i would'nt be suprised if the 2400tl fine would be for the proprietor of the establishment...



I am a smoker & don't think the ban is likely to work very well over here...

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 01:15

Lilli;



According to my local bar owner the fine is 5,000tl



I think he's wrong but in the south it's around 2,000 euros.

Bear 1



Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 65

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 02:29

One of my wife's and my pleasures are eating in a good retaurant and smoking a nice cigar or cigarette. If we can no longer do it in NC we will buy elsewhere. If draconian dictatorships can not come to a compromise, we have to spend our money elsewhere. Simples!

yorkie58


Joined: 16/09/2008
Posts: 245

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 07:41

Bear if I sat next to you in a restaurant and passed wind in your direction would you not complain, however I wouldn't think of doing that as I would show consideration for other diners can't you show some consideration for non-smokers ?

JohnW


Joined: 23/04/2009
Posts: 601

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 07:48

Cyprus Today reported that the fine for the smoker was 123tl and for the establishment 5,000tl.

Bladerunner


Joined: 10/01/2009
Posts: 204

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 10:08

Mess 14 bangladesh has no ban an cheap huts

scruffdog


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 742

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 10:12

Bet the police will start with the bars frequented by the Brits especially on darts and pool match nights!!

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 10:12

This is another way of obtaining revenue. Once they start getting a few bob rolling in they'll be out in force.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 10:46

Strange but the police always seem to aim at a "Static" target - sure they would get much more money by stopping the cars leaving bars and restaurants late at night and checking for drink driving - would probably help the accident rate and lower the overall death rate as well!

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 12:21

well said yorkie 58... Talk about selfish people,....... The Himalayans would be a good place to buy..

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 1179

Message Posted:
05/01/2010 13:10

Bear 1

One of my greatest pleasures in life is going to a good restaurant and being able to taste what I am eating. Not some inconsiderate person's second hand cigar smoke. I am still amazed when going to two cancer hospitals that the number of people stood right outside the door smoking doesn't seem to decrese. I have enough problems with cancer without inheriting more from passively smoking other people's thoughtlessness.

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
06/01/2010 00:55

So far this week I have visited sev eral coffee bars, restaurants etc, and haven't found any that flout the law.

Today I was in Petek's at Famagusta which used to be a smoker's haven, and now it is outside for smokers.

Went to the Express Restaurant at Salamis to a Quiz Night which took a little longer than usual as the smokers had to go outside for a puff. My favourite Cafe Dukkan is now getting some Doctors who promised Emel when heres was an all non smoking restaurant they would go - and they are. Nostalgia Hotel in the Old Town is all non smoking in its bar, lounge,l two restaurants, but is permitted in the courtyard, so all in all, the responsible proprietors of public places are seeming to take the law seriously.



But don't forget come the summer it is we non-smokers that will be 'punished' for if we wish to dine outside we will be alongside smokers, although if the law is the same as Istanbul, one may still object if a smoker lights up too close to the table of non smokers

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
06/01/2010 00:59

who got there first. The law does give non smokers the right to warn smokers themselves, or ask establishment managers to do so , and should any smoker continue to smoke after being asked not to, then the establishment is requested to immediately call the Ministry ! A lawyer stated "The law has been prepared so that people and future generations will be protected against the harms of tobacco products and everybody will be able to breath clean air." So, I am sorry that all who enjoy dining and having a good cigar had better find themselves a nice corner table OUTSIDE and ensure that they are not upsetting anyone. Tough, but true, and as I said, it appears all owners are taking the matter seriously. It is not particularly 'draconian' but a Paternalistic Law made which has been made 'for the greatest protection for the greatest number of people.'

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
06/01/2010 01:20

they are used to puffing outside/hI MARIE HAVE YOU BEEB TO ANY GOVERNMENT OFFICES SORRY caps locked again. today we had to go to a government office all smokin fag ends in thier coffe cups. How can we take anything serious. Of course we have respected this ban, but because we respect it it will be overturned as thay wont make money unless they catch a smoker inside, they are so stupid if they target the brits as they are used to smoking outside. next law all outdside smoking will ne fined. joke or what

guidosp1


Joined: 30/12/2008
Posts: 341

Message Posted:
06/01/2010 07:20

the fine is based as usual on the national wage so is 120tl for the customer and 1230 for the owner

guido

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
06/01/2010 13:51

So the message is 'Be kind to the owner of the establishment'! I am sure that no one wants to put a place in financial jeopardy because of their addiction to Lady Nicotine.

By the way, I have heard that the Deputy Minister of Health chains smokes in parliament, but that would not be an excuse to any catering establishment (such as Guidos) to be allowed NOT to pay a fine.

I am afraid that the saying 'What is good for the goose is good for the gander' (or there is a much ruder Turkish version referring to Imam's and natural functions) does not hold water.

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
06/01/2010 17:24

The individual smokers fine is Tl 124 (10% of minimum wage of Tl 1,240). The establishments fine is Tl 5,000. reference Cyprus Today December 30.



Like most laws in the TRNC this will be ignored by many, the police not having the capacity to enforce laws continually. Some will take the risk and the unwary summer visitor may also be in danger.



Smokers can continue to do so in unenclosed areas and good luck to them. It's their life. If non-smokers don't like it they can always occupy a separate space.

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
06/01/2010 18:59

Still trying to sort out this fine. Latest is that it is 10% to the customer and 20% to the restaurant. But that is not what Guido says and not what Cyprus Today says (and we all know you can't believe everythingb yhou read!!!!!!) so the quest is continuing.



An y advances on these figures as given above.



Anyway, as I said before, if everyone keeps the rules, they keep their money in their pockets to buy more coffees, grub or beers. Seems the most sensible thing to do!

buster1


Joined: 08/06/2009
Posts: 10

Message Posted:
06/01/2010 19:51

Its a pity the Law did not spend as much time on a compaign as you have on this MariB , helping people who have been ripped off by developers son they can get theor lives back to some normality

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
07/01/2010 01:13

Come on Bustger1, you know the old saying 'The Law is a ass!' and here the law is a Cypriot donkey and they don't move too fast too keenly!!!! I have been ripped off in Turkey in a property deal, and I have great sympathy with all those here whose lives have been made to be extremely uncomfortable, but I guess until they make me President or Prime Minister I can only shout in sympathy with eveyrone. But as far as the non smoking is concerned, there seems to be a set of facts which are important, and so I am digging. In the realm of property one needs a much bigger J.C.B.!

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
07/01/2010 08:25

MarieB



Surely you have bigger fish to fry?



And don't mention draconian and maternalistic in the same sentence.



It comes across as extremely patronising.



Which in turn weakens your case.

Happy Hussar


Joined: 01/10/2008
Posts: 318

Message Posted:
07/01/2010 08:40

After some intense shopping in Salisbury last week we were waiting for a bus by the bus station, My wife , a smoker, lit up and was told off by some old codger for smoking in a 'no smoking zone'. This was outside the station in the open air! Sign of things to come and time to give up the dreaded weed.

Tony

Oleander


Joined: 03/05/2009
Posts: 302

Message Posted:
07/01/2010 09:24

Well I find this thread very confusing. Opening post seems to state confidently that 'there is a fine of 2,400TL (or roughly £1000 sterling)' ... 31 posts later the original poster seems to be saying they are trying to find out just how much the fine is!

So ... I am missing the point of it altogether!