A year after the ban on smoking in public places, 60% restaurants comply with the rules

On October 2 last year, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss kick-started a ban on smoking in public places.

A year on, he can bask in the success of the campaign, as 60 per cent of city restaurants have complied with the smoking regulations.

"Initially, it was tough to convince owners that the ban would not hamper their sales, but the message has finally sunk in," said Dr Surendra Shastri, head of the department of preventive oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital and member of NGO Action Council against Tobacco India.

The BMC can fine restaurants, who do not follow the regulation, and even cancel their licence.

Smokers happy

Chandrahas Shetty, advisor, Association of Hotel and Restaurant, said that smokers, who had protested the ban, have come around.
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"Smokers were annoyed that they had to step out to smoke, but now they are happy, as they smoke less because of the ban," said Shetty.

Vicky Seth (25), a resident ofu00a0 Malad, said, "Initially, it was very irritating to leave the table, while my friends enjoyed, and step out for a smoke, but I feel good that my clothes don't smell of smoke."

Many Call it Quits

The Tata Memorial Centre for anti-smoking treatment has recorded 20% more patients, since 2008.