TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said the city plans to maintain smoke-free rules in public areas while creating designated spaces for smokers.
Chiang cited Tokyo’s approach, where smoking is generally prohibited except in specific zones. Taipei plans to follow a similar model, with measures set to take effect before the end of the year, according to CTEE and CTS.
Surveys Chiang cited indicate that 85% of Taipei residents have encountered people smoking while walking, and 80% support the creation of fixed outdoor smoking areas. The city’s health and environmental bureaus, together with law enforcement agencies, are developing a phased rollout.
John Tung Foundation Tobacco Control Center Director Lin Ching-li (林清麗) said smoke-free policies should start indoors, covering workplaces and public buildings, before extending to outdoor spaces, following World Health Organization recommendations. She welcomed Taipei’s measures, noting they are likely to gain wide public support.
Currently, Taiwan’s Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act bans smoking on sidewalks near schools below senior high level and outside certain convenience stores and coffee shops. However, it does not cover smoking while walking.
Enforcement is limited, Lin said, as only health authorities can act on smoking violations, while environmental authorities can address cigarette litter. In contrast, Hong Kong allows health, environmental, and police authorities to enforce smoke-free rules.
Lin said Taipei’s high population density may make it challenging to place outdoor smoking areas in ways acceptable to both businesses and the public. She said implementing such areas will require multiple strategies and practical solutions.
