South Korean city begins smoke-free zone inspections, fines e-cigarette use

Oct.22.2024
South Korean city begins smoke-free zone inspections, fines e-cigarette use
South Korean city launches smoke-free zone inspections at public facilities, fines violators through late November.

Incheon, South Korea will work with 10 districts to conduct joint inspections of smoke-free areas in public facilities by the end of November, according to KG News on October 21.

 

This inspection mainly targets the designated no-smoking areas and cigarette vending machines according to the National Health Promotion Law and regulations in various districts and counties. Any smoking behavior (including e-cigarettes) found in no-smoking areas will be fined.

 

In August of this year, the city expanded and added new smoking ban areas due to the revision of the "National Health Promotion Law." These include the areas surrounding educational facilities (kindergartens, daycare centers, elementary and secondary schools), bus and taxi stands where smoking is frequent, smoking-free streets, urban parks, squares, and smoking ban zones within apartments. In these areas, the city government will conduct focused inspections.

 

In addition, the city government will also inspect the adherence of no-smoking area signage (stickers) on smoking ban facilities, including cigarette vending machines, and the compliance of smoking rooms with facility standards.

 

A spokesperson for the municipal government said, "We plan to continue promoting and cracking down on smoking in smoke-free areas, encouraging citizens to actively participate in creating a smoke-free environment."

 

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