Kaohsiung Sees 1/3 of Vape Shops Close After Ban

On April 9th, according to the Health Department of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 15 out of 44 electronic cigarette stores in Kaohsiung City have closed since the ban on electronic cigarettes was enforced on March 22nd.

According to a report by CNA, out of 44 stores in the city, 10 have completely ceased operations and 15 have closed their doors. The remaining stores have shifted to selling other products, as the store owners claim that the fines are too high and they cannot take the risk.

The highest penalty for using electronic cigarettes in Taiwan, China, is 2258 yuan.

According to new regulations, manufacturers or importers of electronic cigarettes could face a maximum fine of NT$50 million (approximately RMB 11.29 million). Advertising companies, media outlets, and advertisers found promoting tobacco products without approval could face a maximum fine of NT$2 million (approximately RMB 0.45 million).

The sale or display of tobacco products without permission can result in fines up to NTD 1 million (approximately RMB 225,000). Individuals who supply new tobacco products and their accessories may be fined between NTD 10,000 and 250,000 (approximately RMB 2,258 to 56,450), while those caught vaping may be fined between NTD 2,000 and 10,000 (approximately RMB 451 to 2,258).

Related Reading:

Taiwan officially bans e-cigarettes completely.

Taiwan is set to ban e-cigarettes with the highest penalty being a fine of up to 50 million New Taiwan dollars for violators.

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One-third of vape shops in Kaohsiung, Taiwan have closed following a ban on vaping.