A question that we should ask ourselves the other way round, especially since law no. 174 that bans smoking in all closed public places including restaurants was put into effect. However, Lebanon and its Lebanese citizens never cease to derogate from all legal reasoning and logic, wanting to continually be refractory from any obligation or rule of respect for others.
Almost everywhere in the civilized world, and sometimes the less civilized, this implemented law has been decried, defied and criticized from the moment it was put into effect. Still, it later became accepted and continues to be applied up until today. This law had to be tested and implemented in our dear country to prove that mother Earth holds humans capable of denying the existence of others.
It is even more shameful to realize that even some of our colleagues in the food and beverage business stand up for the non-implementation of this law for economical reasons, for that same reason they hide behind: “a serious loss of income since the implementation of this law”. Are we different from the rest of the world?? This is what some people are trying to prove to us… Yes, Lebanon has no place for such rules!!!
This simple example of anarchy and refusal to respect the mere existence of others is, in my humble opinion, our major problem in Lebanon…
Although it is true that this law has a direct impact at the beginning of its implementation, it doesn’t take long before it takes the upper hand and grows into a habit that overcomes this problem that, besides, is no longer one. Many people choose to enjoy their meal at no-smoking restaurants to avoid those who do not respect the law.
A restaurant is a place where we would like to savor our food in the most ideal health and hygiene requirements. Allow some time for this law to fully express itself, and you will realize that, like all the countries of the world, the Lebanese consumer’s behavior will eventually regulate itself.
Allow me then to ask you to put out your cigarette while I eat. Thank you.
Marc Naaman, A restaurant owner in Beirut