Dubai cracks-down on e-cigarette use in malls

The National -- Dubai Municipality is teaming up with shopping malls to end e-cigarette use in the city's malls.

Mall security have been directed to clamp down on e-cigarette smoking indoors and at mall entrances, in response to customer complaints. The sale and import of e-cigarettes is banned in the UAE.

“In the case of people repeating these practices, the security officer has the right to resort to the police to take the necessary measures,” said Redha Salman, the director of the municipality’s public health and safety department.

The issue was raised during a “mini majlis” for the department and the private sector to promote community happiness. Escalator safety was also discussed.

Tobacco use in public places has been banned for years. While studies have shown that e-cigarettes are less harmful than their tobacco counterparts, a study released this year by the British Medical Journal warned that e-cigarettes could be a gateway drug to cigarette smoking for teenagers.