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Taiwan bans smoking in all public areas

(Xinhua/Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-12 14:29

TAIPEI -- A new anti-smoking law went into force in Taiwan on Sunday, banning smoking in all public venues including schools, hotels, restaurants and all public transport facilities.

A cook stamps an anti-smoking logo on the window of his restaurant on the first day of banning smoking in all public places Sunday, Jan. 11, in Taipei. Taiwan has begun enforcing a strict new law banning smoking in all public places including taxis, airport lounges, and karaoke bars. [Agencies]

Smoking had previously been banned in public areas including hospitals, schools, theatres, libraries, office buildings and elevators.

Under the new law, it is banned in all other public facilities such as hotels, restaurants, karaoke bars, Internet cafes, roofed transport stations, and department stores  except for their smoking rooms. It is also prohibited in indoor working environments where three or more people work together.

Airports have closed their smoking rooms and local air carriers are barred from voluntarily selling cigarettes to passengers during flights under the new law.

Violating smokers will be subject to a fine of up to 10,000 New Taiwan dollars ($300), and businesses like theaters and restaurants will be fined 10,000-50,000 New Taiwan dollars if no-smoking signs were not publicly posted as required.

Taiwan's Health authorities estimate that half a million establishments could be affected by the new law, which became effective after its 18-month grace period expired.

On Sunday, the Taipei city government said its inspectors had found five out of 2,740 public facilities failed to post anti-smoking signs at the entrance, leaving them subject to fines of up to 50,000 Taiwan dollars.