The new regulations are considerably stricter and fines are much heavier than in the past, said Chen Mei-ju, chief of Taipei City's health promotion division.

According to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, smoking is completely prohibited in public spaces such as schools, children and youth welfare institutions, and indoor workplaces jointly used by three or more persons.

Smoking in designated areas is allowed in outdoor areas of public spaces such as universities and colleges, libraries, museums, art galleries, stadiums, and swimming pools.

Smoking is allowed in indoor areas of hotels, shopping malls, restaurants or other business locations for public consumption only if these have separate smoking partitions with independent air-conditioning systems.

Where smoking is not allowed, conspicuous non-smoking signs should be placed by all entrances, and smoking-related objects should not be provided, said Chen.

Anyone who takes a drag in non-smoking areas will be liable for a fine of NT$2,000 to NT$10,000, she said.

Operators of establishments that sell tobacco products in violation of the new regulations will be fined between NT$10,000 and NT$50,000 for each violation.

Health officers will conduct non-periodic inspections on business establishments to ensure that the new rules are enforced, she told The China Post during a phone interview yesterday.

She added that the division will aim to schedule the anti-smoking checks to coincide with regular establishment inspections so as to avoid disturbing businesses too often.

Labeling requirements of tobacco products have also increased, said Chen. Tobacco product containers should include front and back labels in Chinese of health warnings and relevant information for quitting smoking on an area of at least 35 percent of their surface.

Manufacturers or importers whose products do not abide by the new labeling requirements will be fined between NT$1 million and NT$5 million.

Tobacco advertisements of any kind are prohibited, and no business premises should provide customers with free tobacco products for the purpose of promotion or profit, added Chen. Those who promote or advertise tobacco products in violation of the new regulations will be fined between NT$100,000 to NT$500,000.

Advertising or mass communication businesses that produce advertisements for tobacco products will receive a fine of NT$200,000 to NT$1 million for each violation.

According to the John Tung Foundation, a pioneer in anti-smoking efforts in Taiwan, the organization has received over 500 phone inquiries regarding the new regulations in the past month.

To help the public better understand the new laws, the foundation has created a “top 10” list of most frequently asked questions.

Chen urged the public to learn about the revised rules or risk facing the new heavier fines. More information is available at www.bhp.doh.gov.tw or at www.e-quit.org.

Top 10 questions regarding the new anti-smoking regulations:

Q: Is smoking allowed at work?

A: Smoking is completely prohibited in indoor workplaces jointly used by three or more persons, including offices, conference rooms, restrooms, stairways, and parking lots. Smoking is only allowed outside.

Q: How will non-smoking signs be posted in public areas and workplaces?

A: Areas where smoking is prohibited must display conspicuous non-smoking signs by all entrances, and should not provide smoking-related objects.

Q: Is smoking allowed on balconies and rooftops?

A: The Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act does not specify norms for smoking on balconies or rooftops, but smoking should be allowed in such areas only if it does not affect passersby.

Q: Can indoor public places designate a smoking room?

A: Smoking is completely banned in most indoor public places, with the exceptions of hotels, shopping malls, restaurants or other business locations for public consumption equipped with separate smoking partitions with independent air-conditioning systems; semi-outdoor restaurants; cigar houses; and bars and audio-visual businesses which are only open after 9 p.m. and exclusively to persons beyond 18 years of age.

Q: Is smoking allowed at 24-hour Internet cafes and private rooms at

KTV and MTV establishments?

A: No. Operators of such establishments should display conspicuous non-smoking signs by all entrances, and should not provide smoking-related objects, such as ashtrays and lighters.

Q: What kind of places will prohibit smokin? Even in outdoor areas?

A: Smoking is prohibited in all areas of hospitals, schools, zoos, and places dedicated to education or activities of children and youth.

Q: Is smoking allowed in any outdoor areas?

A: Smoking is prohibited in all outdoor areas of cultural or educational institutions, such as universities and colleges, libraries, museums, and art galleries; stadiums, swimming pools and other locations for leisure and entertainment open to the general public; and other places and transportation facilities, except in designated smoking areas. Smoking is completely prohibited if no such smoking area is designated. Designated smoking areas should not be located at key passageways.

Q: What should businesses that sell tobacco products keep in mind?

A: Tobacco product advertisements and promotion of any kind are prohibited, including advertising through radio, television, film, Internet, newspapers, magazines and posters. Tobacco products should not be placed in areas directly accessible to consumers. The display of tobacco products should be limited to information on brand names and prices. Smoking warnings such as images and texts should be displayed at conspicuous locations.

Q: Is smoking allowed on balconies and restrooms in homes?

A: The new Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act does not specify regulations for smoking in private spaces, but smokers should be aware of central ventilation systems that might affect their neighbors. Smokers are advised to smoke outside whenever possible to avoid affecting family members and neighbors.

Q: Is there a reward for reporting cases of illegal smoking?

A: Yes, but only in Tainan and Taipei cities so far. Those who wish to seek a reward should jot down the time, address, and circumstances of the offense or a photo, and report the information to their local government's health department or to the John Tung Foundation. (Source: The John Tung Foundation)