The technical committee for legislations has recently given its approval to a federal anti-tobacco bill.

Dr Ali Ibrahim Al Hosani, committee chairman, said the legislation was now at the table of the ministerial legislations committee for consideration, and would be submitted to the cabinet for final approval.
Al Hosani, who is also the under-secretary of the ministry of justice, disclosed that the bill sets a jail term of at least six months and a fine of AED 50,000 for any individual who advertises the selling of tobacco, or its derivatives, with the intent of promoting its cultivation, manufacturing or marketing, or with the purpose of encouraging others to smoke. In case of a repeat offence, the penalty will be doubled. (sra)