From 1 July 2022, smoking will be prohibited at more new premises and if you are caught doing it, then you can be fined $200 or up to $1,000 (if convicted in court) from 1 October 2022.
In a press release, NEA (National Environment Agency) said that from 1 July 2022, smoking will be prohibited at the three new types of premises.
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In association with partner agencies, the NEA is prohibiting smoking at these additional areas to further protect the public from the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke.
- All remaining public parks and gardens.
- Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) sites
- 10 recreational beaches
As we know, smoking is already prohibited in some green spaces such as neighbourhood parks in private and public housing estates, reservoirs and nature reserves.
This next round of implementation is a progressive development from existing measures intended to protect non-smokers who visit these places for recreational activities, NEA said.
Enforcement Actions From 1 Oct 2022 :
To provide members of the public with sufficient time to adjust, in the first three months of the smoking prohibition extension, those caught smoking in the newly prohibited places will receive warnings.
Enforcement action will take effect from 1 October 2022.
Officers from NEA, NParks, PUB, and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) will be authorised to issue warnings and take enforcement action for smoking offences in these newly prohibited places, according to the release.
“Our parks, gardens and park connectors are widely used by all, young and old, for recreation and exercise purposes. The prohibition of smoking in our green spaces will safeguard its air quality and protect the health and well-being of all visitors. We seek the support and cooperation of all park users to make our parks smoke-free.”
Mr Chia Seng Jiang, Group Director for Parks at NParks
“The trial of smoke-free regulations at Sentosa’s beaches illustrates our focus on continually studying ways to enhance and create great experiences, while being committed to our guests’ wellbeing. We are pleased to join hands with NEA, NParks and PUB to protect our beach-goers and Singaporeans from second-hand tobacco smoke.”
Mr Koh Piak Huat, Divisional Director, Operations, Sentosa Development Corporation
The Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act 1992 administered by NEA, supports the national effort to promote a smoke-free lifestyle in Singapore and helps to reduce the exposure of the public to second-hand tobacco smoke.
According to NEA :
- Smoking is currently prohibited in more than 49,000 premises, including indoor and outdoor premises such as entertainment outlets, shopping malls, schools and bus-stops, as well as common areas in residential buildings (e.g. void decks, corridors, covered walkways, lift lobbies, stairwells).
- In 2021, more than 13,000 tickets were issued for smoking in prohibited areas. Close to 40 per cent of the enforcement actions were taken for smoking in prohibited areas in HDB estates at common corridors, staircases, void decks and lift lobbies, as more people worked from home.
NEA urged members of public to be socially responsible when smoking in public places, and not to light up in smoking prohibited places.
Under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act 1992, an individual who is caught smoking in a prohibited place is liable to a composition sum of $200 or a fine of up to $1,000 if convicted in court.
If you are interested to know the list of places where smoking is prohibited : Click Here
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