TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said Monday (Dec. 2) that smoking will be banned at 27 venues and in surrounding areas during next year’s World Masters Games.

The international multi-sport event is held every four years and welcomes participants of all abilities aged 25 to 35 at least. Greater Taipei is scheduled to host the event May 17–30, per CNA.

Taipei City Councilor Chin Hui-Chu (秦慧珠) said smoking has been banned at Taipei Dome since Sept. 1. However, health department enforcement has been weak over the past three months, with just six violations penalized.

Chin added nearly 7.6% of Taipei's population are smokers and emphasized the need for stricter enforcement against illegal smoking and cigarette littering. She suggested adopting Osaka Expo's policy of implementing a citywide smoking ban.

Mayor Chiang pledged he would coordinate with the New Taipei City government to implement the policy.