Fashola Appends 'No Smoking' Bill

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State has signed into the ‘No Smoking in Public Places Bill’ earlier passed by the State House of Assembly. The Governor stated that the law would further complement his administration’s effort towards protecting the lives of residents of the ‘aquatic state’, as Lagos is also called.

The law stipulates a six-month imprisonment or a fine of N50,000 or both to anyone who repeatedly violates its provisions. Anyone who smokes in the presence of a child shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine of N50,000 or one month imprisonment, according to the law.

Also, any person smokes in public places or in a non-smoking areas, will risk a three year jail term.

Owners of public places are mandated to put signs with the inscription; ‘No Smoking’ or symbols as part of enlightenment for smokers and would-be violators of the law. However, they are expected to create areas far from the vicinity where people could smoke. Failure to make such provisions attracts a fine of N100,000 or six months imprisonment, or other non-custodial punishment that the judge may deem fit.

Where a corporate organisation fails to place a ‘No Smoking’ sign or symbol within its premises, any personnel in the management of the corporate body would be liable to a fine in the sum of N250,000 upon conviction. This may be a director or manager in the organisation.