The city council of Lusaka – the capital of Zambia – has introduced on 29 May new legislation banning smoking in public places.

Local government minister Sylvia Masebo said the new statutory instrument, which has been gazetted, bans smoking in public places such as churches, hospitals, buses and other public places, with immediate effect.
Many Zambians have criticised the law for being too harsh as there are currently no designated smoking areas in most public places such as offices, shopping malls and public transport.
Offenders will face a maximum jail term of two years or a maximum fine of ZMK 400,000 (EUR 81.5). (pi)