Luanda – The non compliance with the smoking prohibition in public places, which was approved last Wednesday by the Angolan government, will imply fines that vary from 5 to 10 minimum salaries.

This measure covers institutions of central and local administration, hotels, restaurants, airports, night clubs, telephone booths, train stations and public toilets, said to the press the director of the legal department of the Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security (MAPESS), Jesus Maiato, on the fringes of the meeting of the Cabinet Council.

According to the decree of the government, it will only be allowed to smoke in places where the smoker is alone and therefore he/she will not harm the health of other people.

In restaurants and similar services, as long as there are conditions, it may be created areas for smokers. No Smoking signs must be fixed in these establishments.

The inspection of the accomplishment of this legal diploma will be carried out by the entities which are conferred public authority, namely labour and trade inspectors, police officers and inspection officials.

The regulation of the Decree will establish the way the services and inspection officials of the public administration will intervene.

Jesus Maiato underlined the fact that it is the first time the Angolan legal order releases an instrument that forbids people from smoking in public places.