The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has raised concern over the growing number of people smoking in public places, warning that the habit poses serious health risks to unsuspecting bystanders.
LCC Public Relations Manager Chola Mwamba said the conduct is not only harmful but also illegal under the Local Government (Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places) Statutory Instrument No. 39 of 2008. She cautioned that individuals found smoking in restricted areas are liable to prosecution and may face fines or imprisonment.
Ms Mwamba also expressed alarm over the increasing trend of shisha smoking, particularly among teenagers and young adults in nightclubs. She emphasised that shisha is just as dangerous as cigarettes and contributes significantly to the country’s rising public health burden.
She further urged nightclub owners and operators to ensure the availability of designated smoking areas to protect non-smokers from exposure to harmful second-hand smoke.
“Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited. Those who wish to smoke should do so only in designated or isolated areas,” she reminded the public.
Ms Mwamba reiterated that passive smoking remains a major health threat, noting that non-smokers can at times inhale more toxins than smokers themselves.
The Council has appealed to citizens to adhere to smoking regulations and report incidents of public smoking to the relevant authorities
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