A smoking ban in indoor and public areas will come into effect from 11 January 2009.

The new Tobacco Hazard Prevention Act will also ban smoking in indoor working areas with over three people. Smokers who smoke on stairs, kitchens, or restrooms will be fined. A smoking room with separate air conditioning can be installed by hotels, restaurants and malls. Smoking will also be prohibited in outdoor areas of gyms, college campuses, as well as cultural and social organisations. Violators can be fined TWD 2,000 (EUR 45) to TWD 10,000.
Chao Kun-yu, deputy director-general of the bureau of health promotion of the ministry of health, said that the bureau would place promotional leaflets on the smoking ban in four major convenience store chains beginning 1 December.
Chao said that the definition of outdoor areas would be left to local governing authorities. He also reminded that a non-smoking sign should be put up at the entrance of every smoke free place and ashtrays should not be provided. Owners who do not put up signs will be fined. (pi)