The scope of the smoking ban has been expanded! Violators may be fined up to NT$10,000. Take a look at the latest list of 169 places in Taiwan | Taipei Newspaper | LINE TODAY

The cool weather is perfect for an outing with the whole family. When enjoying the beautiful scenery, you are most afraid of inhaling second-hand smoke, which will make you lose all your fun and just want to hurry up and escape. The Ministry of Health and Welfare recently announced that it will expand the number of national parks, national natural parks, and scenic spots in Taiwan to 169 Districts, forest recreation areas and park green spaces are listed as no-smoking areas, effective from November 15. Smoking violations are subject to a fine of 2,000 to 10,000 yuan.

Click here for a list of 169 non-smoking areasRussell Ying, leader of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Group of the National Health Service, said that in April 2020, anti-smoking regulations were implemented for national parks and other recreational areas and park green spaces, but they were only limited to certain areas. This announcement expands the scope of the anti-smoking ban; she gave an example For example, in Taroko National Park, only the Suhua Recreation Zone was included in the no-smoking area in the past. Now, the inner and outer canyons are also included. The Southern Four Islands National Park in Penghu has also added Dongji Island, Xiji Island, Dongji Island, and Dongji Island. Yupingyu, Xiyupingyu, and Matsu were not included in the announcement before, but they are included this time.

According to statistics, people exposed to secondhand smoke said that the most common indoor and outdoor public places where people smoke in front of them are “roads, streets, arcades and other outdoor places” (24.5%), “parks and scenic spots” (6.3%); Regarding places such as roads and arcades, Russell Ying pointed out that night markets and daytime business districts, etc., are currently actively communicating and coordinating with local mayors to expand the scope of smoking bans according to characteristics.

Although it is currently stipulated in Article 21 of the Tobacco Harm Control Act that those who smoke in non-smoking places must be discouraged by the person in charge of the place and employees; other people present may also be discouraged; illegal smokers shall be punished in accordance with Article 40 of the same law. Fines range from NT$2,000 to NT$10,000, but many people still think the inspections are not strong enough.

Russell Ying said that once a no-smoking area is designated, not only smokers will be fined, but the person in charge of the place will also be responsible for discouraging and publicizing it. If complaints are received from the public, the inspectors will increase the frequency of publicity. In fact, it is not just relying on The law must also be respected by the public. For example, if you encounter someone smoking illegally, you can point to the no-smoking sign to remind them, so that there will be less conflict.

Russell Young suggested that people who want to quit smoking can go to about 3,500 smoking cessation service agencies across Taiwan, including hospitals, clinics, health clinics and pharmacies, where professional medical staff will provide suitable smoking cessation services. They can also call the free smoking cessation consultation hotline 0800- 636363, let professional consultants discuss how to overcome physiological withdrawal symptoms through the convenience and privacy of the phone, help you survive the discomfort during the smoking cessation process, defeat the addiction, and successfully quit smoking.