To Smoke or Not to Smoke in Outdoor Areas

The newspaper "Hraparak" reports that today there will be a closed meeting at the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Economic Affairs regarding "Restrictions on the Use of Tobacco Products in Public Catering Places." As is known, smoking has been banned in outdoor cafes, cigar bars, and hookah clubs since March 15. The ideologist of this initiative is the former Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan, whose worthy successor was Anahit Avanesyan.

We were informed that besides the committee members, business operators will also participate in today's discussion. Weeks ago, before the smoking ban law was put into effect, they took part in a working discussion at this committee and warned that the smoking ban would impact the restaurant business. They proposed defining the concept of "outdoor area." However, according to our source in the committee, they have not been able to define this concept because there are outdoor areas with umbrellas, glass enclosures, etc.

We have learned that the first impacts of the law's implementation have also been felt by pro-government businessmen, and it is possible that they will reconsider the ban on outdoor smoking or make certain amendments. Even Khachatur Sukiasyan has spoken about the economic damage of this ban. Moreover, Arthur Ghazinyan, a member of the "Hayastan" alliance, is set to present a bill to remove the outdoor smoking ban in the National Assembly discussion.

For more details, refer to today's issue of the newspaper.