What good is the anti-smoking law if it isn’t enforced?
Heavy fines and penalties. A bill introduced by the Justice and Development group has been submitted to the House of Representatives. It aims to ban smoking and the use of chicha, cigars and electronic cigarettes, as well as propaganda for these substances in public places.
Other bills supplementing law no. 15.91 have been tabled by the Popular Movement (Mouvement Populaire) and the Progress and Socialism groups. Friday May 30, 2025 at noon was the final deadline for amendments to these bills, according to the Commission for Justice, Legislation, Human Rights, and Liberties.
The debate on this subject is recurrent and complex.
A law that has existed for several years has never been fully applied, regularly giving rise to controversy. The anti-smoking law leaves public opinion divided, and recent legislative proposals have raised concerns. Industry professionals see the measure as a financial loss and a nuisance to their business. Smokers, for their part, are frustrated by the restriction, while non-smokers see it as protection against the dangers of second-hand smoking. In concrete terms, smoking remains one of the main addictions in Morocco. This is what emerges from several surveys, including the latest one carried out by L’Economiste-Sunergia (see our issue No. 6303 of July 14, 2022).
What does the Justice and Development Party’s (PJD’s) new bill provide for? It mentions gradual financial penalties for offenders, and details very specific regulatory measures. The bill once again proposes banning the consumption of all types of tobacco, including electronic cigarettes and shisha, in various public places such as educational establishments, hospitals, public transport, administrations, cafés and restaurants without openings, sports areas, kindergartens, cinemas, meeting rooms, airports, and bus stations… Under the proposal, smokers could be required to pay financial compensation if they cause damage to the health or property of others, whether individuals or institutions.
As for signage and facilities, the bill stresses the need to put up clear signs prohibiting smoking in the areas concerned, failing which fines will be imposed.. The bill also obliges facility managers to set aside specific areas for smokers. These must be located away from entrances and be well ventilated.
F.Z.T.
