The Gulf state of Kuwait on Monday banned smoking in most public places, including cafes, restaurants, hotels and malls.

The ban covers all forms of smoking including water pipe, reports the Kuwait News Agency. The ban includes smoking in shopping malls, schools, universities, hospitals, airports, government offices, sports clubs, libraries, recreational places and other public places.
Commerce and Industry Minister Amani Buresli asked restaurants, cafes and entertainment places to allocate well-isolated places for smokers. Inspectors will monitor all public places to ensure full respect for the new rules, Buresli said. She also warned that the ministry will take puntive and legal actions against violators of the ban. (pi)