Taipei to ban smoking in pedestrian arcades in front of convenience stores, coffee shops effective Sept. 1
Taiwan News
Date: 2019/08/19
By: Keoni Everington, Taiwan News, Staff Writer
(Photos from Taipei Department of Health)
Huang Shier-chieg (黃世傑), head of the city's department of health, on Monday (Aug. 19), said that smoking will be banned in front of convenience stores and cafes, stating Sept. 1, reported CNA. Those who violate the ban in Taipei could face fines of between NT$2,000 to NT$10,000 for breaching the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (菸害防制法).
The chains affected by the new smoking ban include 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, OK Mart, Simple Mart, and Hi-Life convenience stores, as well as Starbucks, 85℃ Cafe, Louisa Coffee, Mr. Brown Coffee, Dante Coffee, Ikari Coffee, Barista Coffee, Cama Cafe, Crown & Fancy, and Peter Better Cafe. Huang said that smoking is prohibited on the first-floor arcade in front of these chains, but the second floor or higher and outside areas not considered part of the arcade are not within the scope of the announcement.
Huang said that as of July of this year, Taipei had announced the establishment of 2,569 smoke-free areas, including 24 public parks and green spaces, reported CNA. According to a poll conducted in May of this year, the public supported a ban on smoking in arcades.
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