JUST ANOTHER SMOKE SCREEN ?

Denpasar Mayor Promises Strict Enforcement of Anti-Smoking Laws in Bali’s Capital

The Jakarta Globe reports that Bali’s capital of Denpasar is moving towards stricter control of its anti-tobacco and anti-smoking regulations.

Denpasar’s mayor Ida Bagus Rai Dharmawijaya Mantra, speaking during the 45th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Barcelona, Spain said: “The goal is, in the future, people can no longer smoke mindlessly, even in an open space or protocol streets. They can only smoke in the provided smoking corners.”

The municipality of Denpasar passed a strict ant-smoking law in 2013 but enforcement has, at least to date, been half-hearted at best.

Current plans are to socialize an anti-smoking message to the public and tourist visitors in December warning of the penalties that await those who violate the law.

The City Government also plans to address charges that they have been hypocritical in their approach to smoking, insisting they will not extend contracts for cigarette advertising on electronic billboards, prohibited under the 2013 law.

It is unclear if tobacco advertising via sponsorship of local musical events will continue under the promised stricter approach to law enforcement.

Casting doubt on Denpasar’s commitment to enforce the law and delay any real change, Mantra said: “We’re now preparing all the necessary signage to inform [people] about the smoking prohibition and the fine. After six months to one year we will begin stricter law enforcement, because if you enforce the regulation without introducing it first, people will complain.”

The Mayor said Denpasar aspires to be like Singapore where smoking in public areas is strictly enforced.

The stricter enforcement of the law, when and if it comes, will be equally applied on both Indonesians and foreign visitors.

Bali made world headlines earlier in 2014 when it closed down the Inter-Tabac Asia Conference, saying the pro tobacco promotional message of the conference violated the Island’s smoking law.