Nepal begins crackdown on smoking in public places

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Nepal begins crackdown on smoking in public places

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130 people were detained for smoking in various public places in the capital Katmandu.

28 June,2012 10:35 am

Police in Nepal say they have briefly detained dozens of people at the start of a crackdown on smoking in public places.Police official Jaya Bahadur Chand said Thursday that 130 people were detained for smoking in various public places in the capital Katmandu and held for three hours Wednesday. They were released only after signing documents promising not to repeat the offense.Nepals anti-smoking law bans smoking in public places including hotels and restaurants and on public transport. The law was imposed last year but authorities only began taking action Wednesday.Chand says they will begin to fine money from next week. The fine for violating the ban is 100 rupees ($1.20). The government issued notices in newspapers this week warning people not to smoke in public.