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Dubai bans sale of cigarettes to under 20s

The Gulf emirate of Dubai has banned the sale of tobacco to anyone under the age of 20 with immediate effect and prohibits young people from public areas in which smoking is allowed.

The announcement was part of a "Youth Without Tobacco" campaign.

A spokesman for Dubai municipality said that cigarette vendors and managers of public places such as cafes and restaurants have been instructed to ask clients for proof of identity.

Previously the sale of cigarettes in Dubai was prohibited to anyone under 18 and smokers were not allowed to light up in public places including hotels, restaurants, cafes and offices.

The campaign was launched to coincide with World No Tobacco Day on Saturday.

The World Health Organisation said that only a total ban on all forms of tobacco advertising can stop the constantly mutating virus of the marketing industry and protect vulnerable young people.

Source: AFP, 1st June 2008
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