PM Calls on Society to Observe New Smoking Ban

Georgian Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, has called on society to observe the new tobacco regulations which took effect on May 1 and prohibit smoking in all enclosed areas, with the exception of houses, psychiatric clinics, penitentiary facilities and casinos. 

Kvirikashvili made the statement at the governmental session on Thursday. According to him, the mortality rate due to tobacco consumption in Georgia is 22%, while it is around 10% in the rest of the world.

“This is an alarming indicator. I call on Georgian society to observe the law. We have to protect our citizens from tobacco smoke, especially children, and such a step significantly reduces tobacco use,” he added, going on to ask the Interior Minister to carry out effective control in execution of the law.

Institutions will be fined GEL 500 for violation of the rules and 100 GEL for repeated violation, while offenders will be charged GEL 50 and in case of repetitive violation the fine will be doubled.  

Smoking in air, sea or land public transport also carries a penalty. Driver of public transport will be fined 500 GEL, and if repeated, this will be doubled. If an individual person smokes on land public transport, the violator will be fined 100 GEL.

For the violation of rules in air or rail transport, the violator will be fined 50 GEL, which will be doubled in case of a repeat violation.

By Thea Morrison

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