Turkey bans public shisha smoking

The Turkish government has banned the use of the hookah, or water pipe, in all public places.
Tourists and locals hoping to take part in the ancient tradition of smoking the fragrant fruit tobacco, known as shisha, will no longer be able to do so in cities around Turkey, as the government further cracks down on the causes of smoking-related illness.
The Turkish government imposed a ban on smoking tobacco in public places in 2009, but smoking hookah was still permitted.

The new law forbidding the smoking of water pipes, or “hubbly-bubbly”, in cafes, bars and restaurants was implemented yesterday (Sunday), according to AFP.

Shisha is smoked throughout the Middle East and parts of Asia, where it is a popular social pastime.
Experts have recommended that smoking shisha in public is banned in other Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where it is prevalent, and a popular attraction for tourists visiting the region.

Water pipes are also a popular souvenir for tourists visiting Middle Eastern countries.
Health authorities claim that smoking shisha is even more damaging to health than smoking cigarettes.

source:DOTW