The Oyo State House of Assembly has on Thursday passed a bill in law, which prohibits people from smoking in public places in the state.
Titled: “Bill to Regulate Smoking in Public Places and for Connected Purposes’’, the Bill, which was passed into law on Thursday, June 2, 2016, also provides three to six months imprisonment or fine of between N15, 000 and N50, 000 for offenders.
The Bill was sponsored by Mr Segun Ajanaku and Mr Segun Olaleye, representing Ibadan South-West II and Ibadan North II constituencies, respectively.
The lawmakers explained that first time offenders will be fined N15,000 or sentenced to three months in jail, while repeat offenders will get six months in jail or a fine of N50,000.
The Bill stipulates a one year jail term and a fine of N15,000 for anyone who smokes in the presence of a child.
It also states that any person who repeatedly smokes in the presence of a child will be liable to one year imprisonment with an option of not less than N100, 000 or both.
It makes it compulsory for any person involved with the management of a public place to put a ‘No-Smoking’ sign in conspicuous areas.
It states that refusal to place the sign or symbol by a corporate body, director, manager, company secretary or any person concerned in the management of the corporate body will be liable to N250, 000 fine upon conviction.