Most still unclear on coming 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)

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