Turkey to implement computer program to address smoking indoors

The Ministry of Health has said that it will beutilizing a computer program to monitor the compliance of private businesses with anti-smoking restrictions in indoor venues which will then enable the ministry to obtain a clearer picture of businesses that continue to allow customers to smoke indoors.

The development of this program has come in response to some cafe, bar and restaurant operators who continue to violate the national indoor smoking ban that came into effect in July 2009. The system will resemble the current police information search check (GBT) system.

Close to a million indoor venues including bars, restaurants and cafes will be incorporated into the system. The ministry intends to implement the program with the aim of increasing the effectiveness of health inspectors and creating a centralized data collection system. This system will include information on any prior infringements and will provide additional details about the business.

With the commencement of the program, if a business has previously been reported for not complying with the smoking ban, then a fine between TL 1,000-5,000 will be issued. If a business commits the offense again then a fine between TL 2,000-10,000 will be imposed. Business compliance will be monitored with the computer program, as the details of offenders will be made available.

During April and May 10,000 inspectors intend to audit incidences of smoking indoors by visiting all public venues in Turkey at least once.

So far, health inspectors have fined 45,000 people for smoking indoors and collected TL 2,000,000 in fines. Of these fines 12,000 were issued to individuals while 33,000 were issued to private businesses, Cihan News Agency reported.


/World Bulletin/