Cairo: SiltaNews – News Desk
Egypt’s Law No. 52 of 1981, as amended by Law No. 154 of 2007 on the prevention of the harms of smoking, outlines clear penalties for smoking in government facilities and establishes a comprehensive framework to curb tobacco consumption nationwide. Under Article 6 bis (3), smoking is strictly prohibited in all its forms inside health and educational facilities, government offices, sports and social clubs, youth centers, and any other locations designated by a decision of the Minister of Health.
The law places responsibility on the managers of these facilities to enforce the ban and take necessary preventive measures. Violations by managers are punishable by fines ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 Egyptian pounds, while individuals caught smoking face fines between 50 and 100 Egyptian pounds. The legislation also adopts economic measures to reduce tobacco use.
Article 6 bis (4) mandates the government to implement pricing and tax policies aimed at increasing the cost of tobacco products, describing this approach as an effective tool to limit consumption. Revenues generated from these increases are allocated to support health services, in coordination between the Ministries of Health and Finance. To ensure oversight and coordination, Article 6 bis (5) calls for the formation of a Supreme Committee for Tobacco Control by a decision of the Prime Minister.
The committee, chaired by the Minister of Health and including relevant ministers and civil society representatives, is tasked with developing national tobacco control policies and coordinating efforts to monitor their implementation. Its recommendations are to be submitted to the Cabinet for action. Additionally, Article 6 bis (6) provides for the establishment of a specialized department within the Ministry of Health dedicated to combating the harms of smoking.
Members of this department are granted judicial enforcement authority by a decision of the Minister of Justice, in coordination with the Minister of Health, enabling them to enforce smoking-related laws effectively. The amended law reflects Egypt’s commitment to reducing tobacco consumption, protecting public health, and strengthening institutional mechanisms to enforce smoking regulations across the country.