ABC implements smoking ban 2 days before rest of Lebanon

At a time where the Parliamentary Committee for Administration and Justice is implementing the tobacco control law on September 3, “ABC, the leading retailer in Lebanon will, once again, be the pioneer in instigating the tobacco control legislation number 174 on the 1st of September,” ABC said in a press release. “This decision reflects an awareness of health issues associated with smoking, and ABC considers this phase to be another important step towards making Lebanon a vibrant and healthy place to live,” ABC added. "By being one of the first and very few establishments in the country to jump on the anti-smoking carriage, ABC took the lead in protecting its clients from the harmful effects of passive smoking, and preserving a pleasant atmosphere for all visitors," said Robert Fadel, Chairman of ABC. ABC was the first to turn into a non-smoking mall back in March. "We strongly believe that our initiative portrays ABC’s support to the law and towards the health of the customers,” Fadel continued. ABC has been working with Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI), the only Lebanese non-governmental organization specialized in the fight against tobacco on the implementation of the new policy. “This tobacco-free policy is inclusive of the entire indoor property, including all entry points, hallways, and restaurants. It applies to all mall tenants, employees, and guests,” ABC said in its press release. “Caring about the community, ABC's primarily aim is to protect everyone’s right to breathe clean air,” it added.