"Smoking in Egypt is very common, unfortunately. Out of every 10 men, four smoke and more and more women are smoking now,” the BBC quoted Dr Hassan Salam of the University of Alexandria.

"The statistics show that Egyptians smoke about 19 billion cigarettes a year. It's a big public health problem."

Traditional shisha water pipes are very common in most coffee shops and experts say persuading Egyptians to quit would be herculean task. Smoking is rife at train stations, offices and even in hospitals.

However, the local authorities in Alexandria according to the BBC are poised to change the status quo.

The local authorities first plan to enforce an existing law - one that is usually flouted - prohibiting smoking in government buildings. The ban would then be extended to include cafes within two years.