Expansion of Smoke-Free Zones Around Schools in South Korea

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Aug.16.2024

Expansion of Smoke-Free Zones Around Schools in South Korea

South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare announces expansion of no-smoking zones around kindergartens, daycares, and schools to 30 meters.

According to a report from Wikitree on August 15th, the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that starting on the 17th, a 30-meter radius around all kindergartens, daycares, and primary and secondary schools will be designated as no-smoking zones.

The recent revision, based on the National Health Promotion Act and the Basic Act on Education, has expanded the no-smoking areas from 10 meters to 30 meters. The revised no-smoking areas now also include the areas surrounding schools, and violators will be fined 10,000 Korean won (73.63 US dollars).

Each city, county, and district government will be responsible for setting up no-smoking signs within 30 meters of the boundaries of kindergartens, daycare centers, and primary and secondary schools. The signs will be installed on building fences, walls, and sidewalks.

The expansion of smoke-free zones near educational facilities will be implemented after a one-year grace period. Starting this month, smoking at gas stations will incur fines of up to 5 million Korean won (3681.6 US dollars).

The department stated that the measure is aimed at protecting children and adolescents from the harm of secondhand smoke.

References:

[1] 17일부터 금연 구역 확대… 흡연 시 10만원 벌금이 기다린다

Also Read:

[1] Supporting Amendment to Classify Synthetic Nicotine as Tobacco: Asia Time

[2] Expansion of Smoke-Free Zones around Schools in Gyeonggi Province

[3] Rising Trend of Teenage E-cigarette Use in South Korea

[4] Korean Health Survey Reveals Increase in Youth E-cigarette Use

[5] Proposal to Regulate Nicotine Liquid in Tobacco Law Amendment

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