Some smokers fume, others applaud ban

Matt Kwong and Zoi Constantine

• Last Updated: January 13. 2009 9:30AM UAE / January 13. 2009 5:30AM GMT

ABU DHABI // Some smokers were in a huff yesterday about the proposal to ban smoking in public places, with many wondering how they would light up outside in the sweltering summers.

“Non-smokers have their own will; smokers also,” said Hosam Nour, 49, drawing on a cigarette outside the Abu Dhabi Municipality building. “I cannot tell you to smoke, but how can you force me to stop?”

The structural engineer acknowledged there was evidence that second-hand smoke, which contains cancer-causing chemicals and toxins, could harm others. But he wondered whether banning smoking in public spaces was going too far.

“We have barbecues,” he said. “That is smoke. Breathing that is not good for the cooker. Will we take away barbecues because the smoke is bad?”

Salem al Shagga, 40, said he had been smoking roughly a pack a day for the past two decades. The Adnoc worker was upset about the proposed regulation, which could be expected to restrict smoking in enclosed spaces such as restaurants, cafes, cinemas, malls and offices.

Abu Dhabi’s smoking ban has been put on hold, pending the introduction of the imminent federal law, which is expected to supersede the municipality’s proposed ban.

“When I am smoking, this is something for me,” said Mr al Shagga, as he lit up nearby. “Now we will have to go outside. You know, it is so bad in the summertime because of the heat.”

During the summer months, Nadia, 20, a student from Egypt, has to retreat to her air-conditioned car for her cigarette breaks.

“When the weather is so hot, it’s kind of annoying,” she said at the Costa Coffee shop on Muroor Road.

A smoking ban “makes sense in other parts of the world, but are they going to make us stand outside in summers here?” said Nadia, who did not give her last name because her family is not aware that she smokes.

At another table, Ali al Tamimi, an Emirati lawyer who does not smoke, said he would certainly enjoy his coffee more in a smoke-free environment. Even so, he was against the proposal.

“People can just have more respect and ask each other not to blow smoke around us,” he said. “We can’t make everything a crime.”

Ahmed Saeed Otaibi believes a ban could help him quit, he said while lighting up outside. “I started when I was 13 and I smoke a pack a day,” said the Emirati, who owns a property business. “I think [the ban] is a good thing. Maybe I’m going to get my health back.”

Nafez Abara, from Syria, said he too would welcome the antismoking plan.

“It is a very good idea. I hate when people smoke inside malls and especially when you are walking around with your children,” he said, also at Costa Coffee, stubbing out a cigarette.

Mr Abara described himself as a light smoker, averaging around 10 cigarettes a day. But he draws the line at smoking in restaurants. “People go there to enjoy themselves,” he said. However, he disliked the idea of not being able to have a smoke with a cup of coffee.

“I think overall it is a very good idea, but I think there will be some complaints from businesses at first.”

A fellow Syrian, Mouhib al Hourani, 49, said he had been addicted to cigarettes for 15 years, but thought the ban would be good for Abu Dhabi.

“It’s about the health of everyone. For example there are a lot of people in restaurants who do not want to smoke,” he said. “Even though I smoke, I will still go to restaurants once the ban comes in. I think it is an excellent idea.”

mkwong@thenational.ae

zconstantine@thenational.ae