Smoking stopped at bus stops

A complete ban on tobacco smoking at bus stops in Taipei, Taiwan, is due to be imposed from January 1, according to a Focus Taiwan News Channel story quoting the city’s health department.

The new regulation will expand a current ban that is in place at 155 bus stops located on 15 bus lanes, the health department was quoted as saying.

From the start of next year, smoking will be banned at 1,150 waiting areas at 932 bus stops in Taipei City.

Those who are caught violating the new regulations will be liable to a maximum fine of NT$10,000 (US$314).

Focus News said the latest move was part of the city’s efforts to create ‘a smoke-free outdoor environment’.

It went ‘another step’ beyond the city’s smoking ban on sidewalks near 180 elementary, middle and high schools.

In October, the city banned smoking in the Xinyi shopping district, the first smoke-free shopping area in Taipei.