Following the implementation of the "No Public Smoking" Act by the National Assembly, the Daily Observer on Monday took a walk to look at the reaction of the people towards this new dispensation.

Speaking to the Daily Observer, Pa Matarr Jobe, whom this reporter met at Westfield said the act is very timely, describing smoking in general as bad to one's health. Considering its negative impact on public health and advised smokers to do their level best so as to overcome their addiction. According to him, the authorities should not hesitate to deal with the recalcitrants, adding that smokers should know that they are no more allowed to smoke in offices, vehicles among other public places. For his part, Adama Cham, a tailor described the enactment of the law as a crucial one in improving the health of non-smokers.  He thanked the lawmakers for coming up with such laws that will reduce the threat of public smoking. He then urged the smokers to open their mind to the sense of this new dispensation.

Paradoxically, Modou Bah, a cigarette trader, described smoking as bad despite the fact he is contributing to its development. He quoted the warning that is written on the packet of cigarette that says "Tobacco seriously damage health," and urged the people to abide by the law and abandon smoking in public places. He therefore described public smoking as a reprehensible act.  He urged the authority to be strict in implementing the law to the grassroots level.

Adding his voice to the chorus of reactions, Alieu Gaye, a shopkeeper also indicated that the act is timely and radically help to contain the development of smoking. He called on the general public to work closely with the authorities in eradicating public smoking in the country.  

For her part, Bintou Jagne, expressed her delight for the implementation of the law.  She thanked the law makers for taking this important step in curbing smoking, a phenomenon that is mainly affecting the youth. Sheriff Sarr, the councillor of Old Jeshwang Ward adding his voice in support of the ban of smoking in public described it as a move in the right direction. He said smoking in general is not good for human health. "Those smoking should know that it is not good for their health and those around them as well" he said.

According to him, even those who manufacture cigarrettes  knows the dangers it has for the human health. He then reiterated his stongest support on the band of smoking in public. He then urged authorities not to take the law easily and implement it without fear or favour. He advice smokes to desist from smoking so as to get a healthy life.