Smoking in public places within the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) will now incur a fine of Rs 500 per violation.
However, this is not a new rule introduced by the KMC.
Dhruba Kafle, assistant spokesperson for the KMC, told Setopati that the metropolis is only enforcing the Tobacco Product (Control and Regulation) Act.
“It is mentioned in the act itself that tobacco products should not be used in public places,” Kafle said. “The metropolis is only implementing this law. As smoking in public affects others, including children, we are working to regulate and control it.”
He emphasized that those using tobacco products must comply with the rules.
"Everything must be used in accordance with the law. For now, we are only trying to implement the law," he said. "We are not saying it cannot be consumed at all, but it should only be consumed in designated areas. We are asking not to consume it in public places. Initially, we are focusing on raising awareness and educating people."
While foreign countries have designated smoking rooms in public places, Nepal only has such facilities at airports. Kafle clarified that the metropolis has no immediate plans to establish smoking rooms or zones.
Starting from Bhadra (August 17), anyone found smoking or using tobacco products in public places will be fined Rs 500 each time, he added.
