Pay for that puff at airport

Ranchi: Call it strict order, stricter implementation. Within three weeks of the state ordering a blanket ban on smoking in public places, 25 people were caught in the act and instantly fined at the Birsa Munda Airport (BMA).
Though the Airports Authority of India (AAI) Regulation, 2003, prohibits smoking on airport premises, the ban had never been implemented seriously so far. However, after the government issued a notification banning smoking at public places on September 5, the airport authorities decided to deploy a monitor in the form of an authorised personnel to book smokers.
BMA director A.V. Krishna said the idea worked. “Notice boards prohibiting smoking were put up everywhere. We said people caught in the act would be fined Rs 100. Those who thought we weren’t serious ended up paying the fine. Three were caught today, taking the total number of violators to 25,” he said.
A government official said the Union government was planning to implement the ban from October 2, but the state had decided to take on smokers a month ahead. Earlier this month, the health department issued directives to various government establishments to ensure that those violating the ban are penalised.
“We have notified everyone in charge. The establishments concerned have to ensure that the ban is implemented in the right spirit,” said health secretary Pradeep Kumar.
26/09/08 The Telegraph

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Categories: Airports Sep 2008