Smoking ban in Syria

In April, Syria became the first Arab country to implement a ban on smoking in public places. Smoking is now outlawed on public transportation and in schools, cinemas, theaters, restaurants and cafés. The traditional Arab nargile, or hubble-bubble pipe, is included in the ban. Fines for violating the ban run SYP500-SYP100,000 (near $11-$2,769).