Smokng ban to extend to clubs: Health Ministry

New Delhi, Oct 15 (UNI) Rules prohibiting smoking in public places, effective since October 2, extend to clubs as well, the Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare today clarified.

Clubs fell within the definition of public place and therefore, had to enforce the ban on smoking, the Ministry said in a clarification issued to allay doubts raised regarding clubs falling within the definition of ''Public Place''.

''Public Place'' as defined in the Section 3(l) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (to be read with 2(c) &2(d) of the Rules), means any place to which the public has access, whether as of right or not.

However, if the restaurant attached to the club had a seating capacity of 30 people or more, then a separate smoking area or space could be created, as per the specifications laid down in rule 2(e) of the Prohibition of Smoking in Public Place Rules, 2008.

''These smoking areas/space shall only be used for purpose of smoking and no other services shall be allowed,'' it added.

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