DUSHANBE, November 3, 2010, Asia-Plus  - The Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Milli of Tajikistan (Lower Chamber of the Parliament) will consider and probably approve the bill “On ban on smoking in public places”.

According to Jumaboy Sanginov, head of faction of the People’s and Democratic party of Tajikistan in the Lower Chamber, the law will be submitted to the Upper Chamber which will consider the law in late December.

“If approved, the law will be submitted to the President and if signed, will come into effect on January 1 2011,” he said.

In late July this year Tajik President Emomali Rahmon initiated ban on sale of cigarettes in all governmental and non-governmental institutions.

The law will mainly ban smoking in education and medical, culture and sport facilities and nearby territories, in all public places, including stadiums, train stations, airports and public transport.

Smokers will be allowed to smoke in special places. Law breakers will pay a fine of 5-15 indexes (one index makes 35 Somoni) assigned for natural persons and 3-300 indexes for legal persons.