The Karnataka state government has passed a new law stating that smoking of cigarettes will not be allowed at restaurants, hotels, bars or pubs in the state if these places don't have a designated smoking area. Only standing rooms should be allowed for smoking, said the circular issued by the Directorate of Municipal Administration on Friday.
Karnataka's Urban Development and Housing Minister, UT Khader, on Monday, warned saying, "Recent studies have shown that there is no safe level of second-hand smoking, we are concerned about the health of the staff who are working in hotels and bars, and customers especially women and children", reported The Indian Express.
Smoking will be permitted in the restricted area only after obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the concerned civic body. According to the issued circular, the fire department had raised concern about fire safety in bars, restaurants and other eateries in a letter which states that open fire sources like smoking can result in fire mishaps.
Smoking at public places was prohibited by the Supreme Court on October 2, 2008.
