The Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in Taiwan has gone into effect for more than 3 years. According to Yilan County press release, the second-hand smoke exposure rate in smoke-free public places has reduced significantly from 23.59% in 2008 to 5.86% in 2011.
Public Health Bureau of Yilan County has added 9 recreational parks to the original list of 5 smoke-free tourist spots, including Peikuan Recreation Farm, Wan Shun Pumpkin Park, Luodong Forestry Culture Garden, Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area and Dong-Yue Dobiyo Community. The ordinance was effective on July 1st, 2012. Violators of the smoking ban will be fined NTD2,000 (USD67) to NTD10,000 (USD335).
The only way to protect people from second-hand smoke is a total smoking ban, and not to have any smoking area established or designated in public places, said the officer of Public Health Bureau.
The smoke-free recreational parks will post a conspicuous no-smoking signs clearly at appropriate locations for those entering or exiting the premises. There will be patrol officers designated for the ban. The Bureau will also have enforcement officers working on violators from time to time.
“Smoking is definitely harmful to one’s health and keeping the environment smoke-free needs everybody’s effort. Smokers who want to quit can seek help from cessation services in hospitals or clinics or call toll-free quit line 0800-636-363,” said Chien-Ting Liu, Director of the Yilan Public Health Bureau.