Doha • An expert from the Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Section at HMC has lamented the lack of interest on the part of the authorities in effectively implementing the anti-smoking law in Qatar.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, Dr Omar Al Tamimi, consultant, Cardiology, said it was a pity that several coffee shops in Doha are now allowing their customers to smoke inside despite the fact that the law has banned smoking in public places.

“Heart diseases are increasing alarmingly among the younger generation in Qatar and smoking is one of the main reasons behind this. The anti-smoking law was effective for the first two or three years but unfortunately cracks have now appeared in its implementation and people have gone back to the practice of smoking in public places," said Tamimi.

Maureen Micks from the department said Sheesha is equally dangerous as smoking but many people consider it as an entertainment and it is offered by several outlets during the evenings of Ramadan. The experts stressed the need for more public awareness on these issues.