Arsen Torosyan: Penalties for smoking efficiency should be greater and more severe
Armenia should follow international tobacco control practices and apply strictly the legislation prohibiting smoking, Arsen Torosyan, healthcare organizer, said this at a press conference today. He and public healthcare specialist Davit Petrosyan met yesterday with experts from Armenia. "International experience shows that the fight against smoking abroad is very strict. Smoking in the United States is prohibited not only in public places, but also on streets. But here the fight against smoking is going on for the maintenance of air cleanliness," said David Petrosyan. According to Arsen Torosyan, the complaint of citizens against the law of the Ministry of Healthcare "On restricting smoking" is not justified, as this concerns not only the health condition of smokers, but also of non-smokers, and in case of not applying penalties, their rights will continue to be violated. "Even fines are not enough. Penalties for smoking efficiency should be greater and more severe. And international experience in this regard will help us," Arsen Torosyan said.
