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Dubai: Mall patrons, staff and businesses had mixed reactions to the smoking ban in Dubai shopping malls, effective yesterday, with some welcoming it as a long-awaited development while others predicted businesses would suffer.
Shopping malls effectively became smoke-free zones yesterday, the second phase of Dubai government's efforts to regulate smoking in public places and create a healthier environment.
Under the ban, public areas within the mall have to remain smoke-free, while cafes and restaurants have to install special filtration systems if they want to have a smoking section.
Mall patrons, mostly with small children, at the Mall of Emirates, told Gulf News they were happy that the ban took effect.
'Pleasant' change
Eileen Braley, mother of a six-year-old girl, said she was pleasantly surprised to find no one smoking at the Mall of the Emirates, especially at the food court.
"I didn't see anyone smoking today. Before I had noticed many people smoking. It was annoying sitting down to a nice meal and have people smoking away. If they want to smoke, they should do it elsewhere," she said.
"It's got to be a good thing for everybody, especially children," she added.
Mall staff also agreed that the ban was necessary to create a healthy environment for people, but lamented the fact that there were not any designated smoking areas indoors, complete with air-conditioning.
Standing outside in the parking area near an ashtray and sweating profusely, Dilyana Ivanova, an employee at a shop at the Mall of the Emirates, told Gulf News many thought malls were going to prepare indoor smoking areas, such as at the airport that are either enclosed or have their own air-purifying system.
"I have nothing against smoking outside if it is winter but now it is September - it is still summer," she added.
Rodica Ene, assistant manager at a shop in the Mall of the Emirates, said the ban has affected her routine but had no plans to flout it.
"If it is the law, I have to respect it, even if I don't agree with it," she said.
Store managers at the mall, however, had a different take on it.
Charbel Maalouf, manager at Columbus Cafe next to Virgin Megastore, told Gulf News he noticed a drop in patrons after the ban took effect.
"There is a lot of difference from yesterday to today," he said, pointing to the near-empty cafe.
"We are facing a bad problem. We have a lower number of customers because they cannot drink coffee without having their cigarettes."
He added that he could not renovate his cafe up to Dubai Municipality's requirements for a smoking area, saying it was too expensive for him to do so.
Your comments
This is good for everybody. Many people suffer from different ailments like allergies, asthma and there are also pregnant people to think about also.
Pooja
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 13:42
It is strange to hear that it is bad for business because the smokers are minority who are bothering the majority of non-smokers.
Abdulaziz
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 13:28
It is one of the authorities' best moves. It is more like a collective move to help smokers quit smoking. The non-availability of places and hefty fines could considerably curb smoking in public places. The management of the malls will have to be strict to stop smokers on their premises regardless of their nationality.
Moazzam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 12:53
The ban actually helps me to not smoke at all these days, and hopefully kick the habit altogether. I can't smoke commuting in the car (because of Ramadan), in my flat (spouse would kill me), at work (colleagues don't allow), outside is just too hot anyway - so it is the perfect time to quit I guess, and I am glad I am not tempted to light up in the mall either...
Kris
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 12:46
I am a smoker, but I actually welcome the "ban". I have always disliked people walking around malls with lit cigarettes. However, there should be separate sections available in malls for smokers. As others have already mentioned, and I noticed yesterday in Ibn Batutta Mall: Even in the evening, the coffee shops were EMPTY, because smokers are now seeking eateries that are located outdoors. Businesses will suffer.
Jessica
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 12:28
Many years ago the US found that second hand smoke is more dangerous and detrimental that first hand smoke. Which means smokers harm nonsmokers more than they harm themselves! So, obviously smoking cannot be allowed in public places.
Bayyinah
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 12:25
It is always nice to breath clean air for a change. Especially in the food courts when with the family.
Hind
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 12:11
It's easier to stop selling cigarettes instead of ban - and charging a ticket for smokers.
Ahmad
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 11:56
The Dubai Municipality should be hailed for their unselfish decision to ban smoking inside the malls. This is a milestone and should become a benchmark for other cities to follow.
Ronnie
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 11:15
The smoking ban is long overdue, the rest of the world is implementing them and it is only now we see some concrete effort by the authorities to enforce them. Will there be fine to those that flout the rule like traffic offences? Smoking is intrusive behaviour that encroaches onto others forcing all those that are around them to inhale the offensive smoke that causes health problem not only to themselves but to others.
Alvin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 09:10
It is a very good move on the part of Government. Why should young children, the aged and the other general public have to inhale nicotine and other hundreds of harmful chemicals just for someone else's pleasure? Now we are respecting others right to live.
Thomas
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 08:37
People who want to smoke have the right to smoke, but they should also be considerate about other people's health. I hope other emirates also implement the same ban.
Mahesh
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 08:21
Concerned authorities must look into the allocated areas in shopping malls to ensure that they are properly ventilated for smoking. Some shopping centres have allocated "entrances" to the mall for smokers, where one gets really annoyed by the smell of smoke as you walk in and out of the mall. In this case, the purpose of a smoking ban is not served.
Karkain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 08:04
I hope they also implement the law on the beaches and outdoors. Smokers litter the beaches and the streets; there are so many cigarette buts out there.
Das
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 06:38
I entered the mall today and I couldn't believe it how the air smelled clean. I really felt the difference. It's really an amazing thing to ban smoking in public places!
Alshamsi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 16, 2007, 00:45
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