Singapore will extend the smoking ban to all indoor public places and some outdoor places by January 2009, the National Environment Agency (NEA) announced Friday.
Singapore, renowned for its clean image and strict laws against littering, in July last year has already extended the smoking ban from all in air-conditioned buildings to popular outdoor "hawker centers", air-conditioned karaoke lounges and nightclubs.
This time, in all indoor places, irrespective of whether it is air-conditioned, such as multi-storey and basement car parks, lift lobbies, non air-con shopping centers and shops, smoking will be banned.
Some outdoor places, like playgrounds and exercise areas, will also be smoke-free next year.
In addition, smoking will also be prohibited within 5 meters from entrances and exits leading to public buildings and facilities.
"It promotes an environment conducive to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and discourages smokers from lighting up," said NEA.
The agency will also step up its enforcement efforts. It will double the number of enforcement officers from 50 to 120, who will spend 490 man-hours, a 300-man-hour increase.
Source:Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article