فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The parliamentary group of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) has introduced a new draft law that would impose financial penalties on individuals who violate the smoking ban in public areas, particularly in cafés and service facilities.
Submitted by the party’s parliamentary group and signed by its president, Abdellah Bouanou, the proposal seeks to impose fines ranging from 500 to 1,000 dirhams on anyone caught smoking in a public space. Repeat offenders could face penalties of up to 5,000 dirhams.
The draft law stresses that the move comes in response to what it describes as the “growing danger of tobacco consumption in all its forms,” highlighting both the health and economic consequences. It underlines that smoking is no longer a private habit but has become a collective concern that endangers the well-being of others in shared environments.
The proposal applies to all publicly accessible spaces, whether administrative, commercial, service-oriented, or recreational. It designates these areas as smoke-free zones and aims to create a healthier public environment that safeguards the health rights of all citizens.
The proposed law is expected to spark significant debate in the legislative arena, given its direct impact on a widely prevalent social behavior. It also raises questions about enforcement mechanisms and legal responsibility, potentially fueling controversy.
While Morocco has ratified international agreements that require signatory states to implement protective measures against the harms of smoking, domestic legislation is still considered lenient in curbing the phenomenon—particularly in crowded places such as cafés and public transportation, according to observers.
Source: Fes News Media
