From the smoking case, compensation of 4.8 million, how to stop smoking in prohibited places?

The story of a tourist who had to pay compensation because his smoking burned the hotel's bed sheets and mattress raises the question: How have the long-standing regulations prohibiting smoking in non-smoking areas been enforced?

Smoking causes a burden of disease for the community - Illustration: TTO

Previously, on social networking forums, a story was posted about a tourist who had to pay 4.8 million VND in compensation for burning a hole in two bed sheets and a mattress. The incident happened at a hotel in Cua Lo, Nghe An .

Not only in the above mentioned hotel, the situation of smoking in public places still occurs in many places despite regulations on places where smoking is prohibited.

The Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms clearly stipulates that smoking is completely prohibited in public places and indoors (except for places designated for smokers). This law also specifically explains that "public places" are places that serve many people, and "indoors" are places with roofs and surrounding walls.

Smoke everywhere

Mr. Nguyen, an office worker in Ho Chi Minh City, shared: "I can't count how many times I had to inhale other people's cigarette smoke when eating out. Once at a beef noodle shop, I complained to the owner about customers smoking in the cramped restaurant, but they just looked at me with helpless eyes."

This situation does not only occur in restaurants. In coffee shops, smoking has become almost a natural need. Even in air-conditioned rooms, which are supposed to be "smoke-free", many customers still light up cigarettes.

"I feel sorry for the students who have to work in such a toxic environment. They have to inhale cigarette smoke throughout their shift and cannot protest," said Ms. T., a lecturer at a university in Ho Chi Minh City.

On the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the sight of people walking and smoking, causing others around them to "inhale" is no longer rare.

Especially, the most stuffy is at intersections waiting for red lights, when dozens of motorbikes stop, cigarette smoke from many people mixes with the hazy exhaust.

Meanwhile, the situation in hospitals is even more alarming. Even in the hospital grounds, where a clean environment is most needed, cigarette smoke is unavoidable. In some hospitals, it is not difficult to see patients and their relatives smoking right in the middle of the courtyards of the buildings.

Many people working in hospitals have also expressed their frustration with this situation. Despite repeated warnings, it is still difficult to thoroughly handle the situation. Violators often put out their cigarettes when reminded, but just a few minutes later continue smoking as if nothing happened.

Hope to have a clean living environment

Through following information related to this pressing issue, I realize that the enforcement of smoking ban regulations as well as tobacco harm prevention is still lax.

There are several reasons for this situation: The sanctions are not strict enough, causing some people to not be afraid. In addition, there is no regular monitoring force. And most importantly, people's awareness is still low. This means that basically, the regulations are in place but their application is limited.

Therefore, there should be clear and strict penalties. Regular inspection forces should be arranged along with stronger propaganda.

From the story of a tourist having to pay 4.8 million VND in compensation at a hotel in Cua Lo, it is time for authorities to tighten law enforcement and return a clean environment to the community.

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PHAM TRAN KHOA

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tu-vu-hut-thuoc-boi-thuong-4-8-trieu-cach-nao-cham-dut-hut-thuoc-o-noi-cam-20250713094902362.htm