Smokers warned to butt out of public buildings

Smokers and business owners beware... the city of Ashdod has decided to crack down on people smoking in public buildings, and as of this week will be sending specially attired police officers into nightclubs and other places of entertainment, commercial areas and public institutions in a concerted campaign to enforce anti-smoking laws, reports www.local.co.il. The special anti-smoking police will be distinguishable from other police and municipal inspectors by their new, olive-green uniforms and distinct badges. The report said that anyone caught smoking in a public building could receive a fine of NIS 1,000, while business owners who allow smokers to light up on their premises could be fined NIS 5,000.