Smoking Banned in Stadiums and Sports Complexes

People in Georgia are banned from smoking in stadiums and sports complexes as of January 1.

According to the tobacco control law, stadiums or sports facilities that have an administration will have to comply with the regulation. They are required to place signs throughout the stadium and inform fans about the ban and will be permitted to allocate smoking areas.

In case of violation, the administration will be fined 500 GEL for the first time, 1000 GEL for the second time and then the fine will increase to 2000 GEL.

The Law on Tobacco Control came into force on May 1, 2018, in Georgia. The law prohibits smoking in enclosed public buildings and facilities.

The new legislation is considered one of the strongest tobacco control laws in the WHO European Region.

By Ana Dumbadze