Iranian police forces have announced strict measures against people eating and smoking in public during the fasting month of Ramadan.

During the Holy month of Ramadan, which began last week, Muslims do not eat, drink or smoke during daylight.

Zanjan security forces announced that even passengers in cars are forbidden from eating and smoking and, if they are identified, they will be subject to prosecution.

The Fars News Agency reports that Zanjan’s Deputy Head of Security Forces said: “The police will charge individuals who publicly exhibit lack of compliance with fasting customs.”

He added that a number of restaurants and eateries have been assigned to remain open for travellers at the entrance to the city and in other locations; all restaurants and cafes are forbidden from serving food and beverages during the day.

The head of the country’s security forces, Commander Esmail Ahmadi Moghaddam, announced last week that even those who are exempted from fasting due to some religiously acceptable reason are not allowed to eat or drink in public.

Last year, people charged with breaking their fast during daylight were fined up to 1.3 million toumans, and the police were legally permitted to arrest them.

Source: Radio Zamaneh