Law Against Smoking Indoor Passed in Lebanon

Good news from Nejmeh square:

Parliament endorsed a law banning smoking in all enclosed public places […] The law makes tobacco advertising and promotion illegal, including billboards, magazine ads as well as tobacco company sponsorship of events and concerts. The bill also calls for a pictorial warning of the dangers of smoking covering 40 percent of each pack.

Like many laws in Lebanon, this one will probably remain unenforced. But unlike other laws, this one has a clear target and law breakers are easily identifiable and — more importantly — photograph-able.

So here’s what I’m proposing: Once the law officially takes effect (there’s a transitional period) we can start a fun little Tumblr blog with nothing but pictures of people smoking in restaurants and other public places in defiance of the law. Remember, this law was passed because Lebanon signed on to an international convention on tobacco control, so this has a potential to embarrass the government.

Non-smokers can rejoice: The law, and their camera phones, are now on their side..