Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has banned smoking in a wide range of public places.

Mr.Assad announced the ban Sunday, forbidding smoking in restaurants,cafes, movie theaters, educational institutions and hospitals. Smokingwill also be banned on public transportation.

The measure includes the use of water pipes favored by locals and tourists alike.

Violators of the ban face a fine of about $45.

Earlier this year, Syria issued a law forbidding the sale of tobacco to those under 18 years of age.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.