Lebanon expands tobacco smoking ban

A tobacco smoking ban in enclosed public places, including coffee shops, restaurants and bars, went into force in Lebanon on Monday, according to an Agence France Presse story.

Such a ban took effect a year ago in airports, hospitals and schools, but has now been expanded to include all enclosed public places.

The new anti-tobacco law includes also a ban on tobacco advertisements.

Smokers caught lighting up in an enclosed public space face a $90 penalty, while restaurant owners who turn a blind eye to offenders could be fined anything from $900 to $2,700.