ABC mall launches its ‘Smoke Free Environment’ initiative
ABC, the leading retailer in Lebanon, launched today its ‘Smoke Free Environment’ campaign becoming the first shopping mall in Lebanon to implement the tobacco control law. The campaign, headed by ABC Chairman Mr. Robert Fadel, was launched in ABC Achrafieh and attended by the Minister of Public Health Mr. Ali Hassan Khalil, the Minister of Tourism Mr. Fadi Abboud, and the Minister of Environment Mr. Nazim el Khoury and supported by ‘Tobacco Free Initiative’ (TFI), celebrities, VIPs and members of the press.
Starting the first of March, ABC will implement the tobacco control legislation number 174 to become a non-smoking mall, except restaurants and cafes as stated in the regulation. However, ABC is launching ‘Happy Smoke Free Monday’, extending its non-smoking initiative to the restaurants and cafes every Monday, as a preparation phase to implementing the law, in an effort to raising health awareness and creating a health-oriented culture amongst the Lebanese society.
“ABC has been part of the Lebanese community for 75 years and we believe in giving back to this community” said Robert Fadel, Chairman of ABC. “ABC is the ultimate family meeting destination, thus, helping our customers, especially the teenagers, quit smoking is our responsibility and we hope to set the good example for other corporations to follow our lead in order to contribute in making Lebanon a healthier country”, he explained.
Implemented to make ABC experience more enjoyable for more people, the ‘Smoke Free Environment’ campaign will play a major role in supporting the implementation of the anti-smoking law. Professional trainers from TFI conducted an anti-smoke educational session for all ABC and tenants employees to educate about the benefice of this campaign so they will in return educate the mall visitors.
Taking leading steps by implementing the law, ABC is also implementing an educational program by setting focal points in its store to educate its customers about the danger of smoking while also developing a digital campaign on all of ABC’s social media channels to target the young generation.
About ABC Established in 1936, ABC was the first department store to open its doors in the Middle East. In 2003, with the opening of ABC Achrafieh Mall, ABC introduced the first mall in Lebanon and was the first retail store to branch throughout the country and expand its reach to a wider scope of customers. With its six branches spread across Lebanon displaying a full range of brand name products as well as an average of 11 million visitors per year and 97% brand awareness in Lebanon, ABC Group has evolved from being a single retailer to a commercial real estate developer and a franchisee. ABC currently operates 6 retail outlets including 2 flagship department stores in prime locations as well as the first open air mall to meet international standards in the region. The other 4 regional stores are spread throughout Lebanon.
