15 August 2009 / ALPER SANCAR , ANKARA
Police will not allow smoking in stadiums, a subject that has been intensely debated since a law prohibiting smoking in closed areas was fully implemented last month.
Police have been told to warn and then fine smokers at all matches in the capital city in order to reinforce the new smoking ban. While entering the stadium, fans will be verbally warned and will not even be allowed to smoke in VIP seating. These new rules were first implemented during the Gençlerbirliği-Kayserispor match. No one has been fined yet. Fines will also be issued at other soccer games, including Super League matches. Riot police positioned in front of the stands to prevent a possible riot will also issue fines if there is anyone smoking. If they see someone smoking, police will warn said smokers. Those smoking in prohibited areas will be fined TL 69, and those throwing cigarette butts and packages on the ground will be fined by TL 25. Gençlerbirliği and Kayserispor faced each other in their first match of the league on Aug. 9. Written warnings reminding patrons of the smoking ban were hung in several places around the stadium.
