LAHORE The City District Government (CDG) has decided to implement ban on sale and use of sheesha at cafes and smoking at government offices, parks and public places including railway station and bus terminals in the City, TheNation has learnt. Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002 did not allow smoking at government offices and important public places including parks, railway station, bus stands and picnic spots. Though the ordinance disallows sale of cigarettes to children below 18 years of age and in the close vicinity of educational institutions, the practice is continuing unabatedly due to lack of interest on the part of government functionaries. Moreover, use of sheesha is also on the rise at cafes and majority of the users are students including females. Provisions of the Ordinance disallow advertisement and promotion of tobacco and smoking at public places, parks and public transport. The government, however, can allow smoking at a special designate place to save non-smokers from the hazards of tobacco. According to the sources, Administrator CDG and District Coordination Officer Ahad Khan Cheema has written separate letters to officials concerned with the direction to implement relative provisions of the ordinance to save non-smokers from the hazards of smoking. In letters written to all Executive District Officers (EDOs) and nine Town Municipal Officers (TMOs), the DCO has directed the officials to enforce the relevant provisions of the law and ensure implementation on ban on smoking at office premises and public places in their respective jurisdictions. In a separate letter, the DCO has requested Director General (DG) Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to implement ban on smoking at public parks under his control. In another letter addressed to District Officer (DO) Environment and DO Food, he has directed the officials to enforce the law at public places including hotels, restaurants and clubs in letter and spirit. In a letter written to Secretary Regional Transport Authority the DCO has directed for ensuring implementation on ban on smoking at bus terminals, public transport vehicles and commuter wagons. The DCO has asked all the officers to display 'No Smoking signs at prominent places in the office premises and at public places including bus stands and parks in the City. Government can impose fine up to Rs 1,000 for smoking at public place, transport vehicles and failure of owner or manager at the premises to display 'No Smoking sign at prominent place. Second, third and subsequent violation could cause imposition of fine up to Rs 100,000. Sale of cigarettes to minors, sale and storage in the immediate vicinity of educational institutions and advertisement of tobacco products in violation of guidelines could cause imposition of fine up to Rs 5,000. Second, third or subsequent violation could cause imposition of fine up to Rs 100,000 or three month imprisonment or both.