Amendment to ban indoor public smoking approved

Under the amendment, no smoking will be allowed in any common indoor work spaces that can accommodate at least three people or public indoor spaces such as educational, medical treatment, government, financial, transportation or entertainment facilities.

However, smoking will still be allowed in smoking rooms that have their own air conditioners, as well as at cigar stores, KTVs, pubs open after 9:00 p.m., and outdoor spaces at dining facilities.

The amendment also raises the fine for violators to between NT$2,000 (US$60) and NT$10,000 from between NT$1,000 and NT$3,000.

Also under the amendment, people aged under 18 and those who are pregnant will be prohibited from smoking. Youth who violate the law will have to attend a quit smoking educational program, and their parents or guardians will be obliged to be present. Parents or guardians who fail to attend will be fined between NT$2,000-NT$10,000 for each absence.

The amendment also doubles the tobacco tax, with the tax on cigarettes rising NT$500 per 1,000 cigarettes, that on cigars increasing NT$500 per kilogram and that on shredded tobacco rising NT$500 per kilogram.

Furthermore, the manufacturing of candy, desserts, toys or any other objects in the form of any kind of tobacco product will be prohibited, and no tobacco advertisements will be allowed on any electronic devices, the Internet or magazines.

Tobacco-relevant businesses will also be prohibited from offering discounts or awards in promoting their products and from organizing promotional activities, such as sampling and presentation. Violators will be subject to a fine of between NT$5 million and NT$24 million.

The amended THPCA is expected to take effect about 18 months after being announced.

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