Mind Soup

Tobacco control legislation will come into effect in Lebanon on September 3rd, 2012. As usual, the Lebanese government will implement random laws without studying the effect it will cause on society and the economy. Don't get me wrong, I am not against the smoking ban, but it should not be like this. This law that was approved is out-dated and comes back from the early 1900s and is technically very strict that I doubt it will even be properly enforced. What's mainly wrong with this law is that it does not allow for smokers to have specialized places to go to. It is also incomplete as it sets the stage for poor implementation, corruption and a non-negligible negative effect on the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The figures and infographics below are prepared by The Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants in Lebanon and are part of a study conducted by Ernest & Young in Lebanon. It makes you think twice before following the tobacco ban law blindly. UPDATE...

A fantastic new brand of cigarette has been released that makes giving up that dirty habit a damned sight easier! Our volunteer shown in the video demonstrates the absolute effectiveness of these new 'smokes' that remind you THAT SMOKING IS DANGEROUS AND BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH !!! Self proclaimed tobacco specialist Mr Benjamavincent Thomsonion says "Smoking is quite simply 'Habit' and that's what we humans do best - act habitually!, these new cigarettes are loaded with a surprise to make your habit unenjoyable and embarrassing, a bit like shitting yourself on a bus." Look out for these new smokes coming to a newsagent near you soon.