KATHMANDU, AUGUST 6

The Kathmandu District Administration Office (DAO) has directed hotels and restaurants across the district to strictly enforce provisions of the Tobacco Products (Control and Regulation) Act, warning of legal action against establishments that fail to comply.

In an urgent public notice issued on Wednesday, the DAO said it had received complaints that smoking of cigarettes and tobacco products was taking place indiscriminately in hotels and restaurants, affecting the health of non-smokers and indicating non-compliance with existing laws.

The administration instructed all hotels and restaurants to clearly designate smoking and non-smoking areas in accordance with the law. It also directed that smoking areas be properly separated so that smoke does not affect other customers.

The DAO said monitoring teams from the administration and other designated agencies would inspect hotels and restaurants to ensure compliance. Businesses found violating the law will face action under Section 17 of the Tobacco Products (Control and Regulation) Act, 2068, the notice said.

The administration urged all hotel and restaurant operators in Kathmandu to comply with the legal provisions and maintain a smoke-free environment for the public.