It is crucial for the representatives of civil society to continue monitoring the way in which the Law on Tobacco Control is implemented, said Ghenadie Turcanu, programs coordinator of the Center for Health Policies and Studies, quoted by IPN.

The Center, together with representatives of other NGOs and civic activists, monitored how public eating units of the municipalities of Chisinau and Balti comply with the provisions of the law.

“This was a first monitoring stage. However, for sustainable results to be obtained, we need to continue the observation. We hope the list of NGOs that take part in the monitoring will be extended,” stated Turcanu.

Speaking about the fears of owners of bars, cafés and restaurants that the Antismoking Law will affect their incomes, Turcanu said the experience of other states, such as Russia, Ukraine and Turkey, shows that no such thing happened. According to data provided by the Ministry of Health, the general incomes for May-June in our country haven’t decreased compared with the corresponding period last year.

“The consumers appreciate the measures taken to restrict smoking. In closed areas, the cigarette smoke seriously affects health. Many people probably come to a restaurant or bar to meet with friends mainly,” he added.

Monitoring team member Rodion Gavriloi said the Antismoking Law is beneficial to those who smoke as well.

“In open areas or outside, smoking is not banned. However, if you sit in a restaurant or a bar with friends, it’s not polite to leave them often and go out for a smoke. In time, one can ponder over whether it is worth smoking or not when this affects your own health and the health of those around,” he stated.