The NEWS (Monrovia)

Liberia: Public Smoking Ban Ignored At HLP Meeting

31 January 2013

The ban placed on public smoking appears not be holding as guests attending the high level meeting are usually seen smoking in public.

The Government of Liberia, in 2010 approved a law prohibiting all forms of public smoking with the necessary penalties for violators, including fines and imprisonment.

Following the passage of the law, notices were seen placed in most public areas with inscriptions: "NO SMOKING" OR "ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING" to create awareness amongst members of the public.

However, some guests at the ongoing HLP meeting taking place at the Monrovia City Hall were seen smoking publicly in and around the conference hall Wednesday.

Although ignorance of the law excuses no one, several of the guests were seen standing in front of the Monrovia City Hall amidst huge security presence, including members of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Monrovia City Police (MCP) and the Executive Protection Service (EPS) without any sign of warning.

However, there is no indication at the City Hall to warn the guests or create awareness about the existing public smoking law in the country.

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  • amartlib
    Jan 31 2013, 15:52
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    When they say public smoking mr/mrs article writer, The intent is that you do not smoke indoor/out where people are gather for meeting or entertainment. It does not mean you should not smoke outside your house. what the law is trying to avoid is second hand smoke. When I worked in the states, those who wanted to smoke when down stair to a corner ( the smoker corner) of the company porch an smoke. Let be inform in Liberia, It is all about the second hand smoke.