Govt’s long-term goal is to prohibit smoking in all public areas

The National Environment Agency (NEA) thanks readers who have expressed support for more stringent anti-smoking rules in public places. The NEA has progressively expanded the list of areas under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act.

Smoking is now prohibited in an estimated 32,000 premises, such as entertainment outlets, shopping centres, office premises, hospitals, schools, cinemas, bus stops, public corridors, covered walkways, lift lobbies, stairwells and entrances to buildings.

The Government’s long-term goal is to prohibit smoking in all public areas, except designated smoking points, which we are actively working with community groups and stakeholders to implement at more neighbourhoods.

We will continue to work with the Health Promotion Board and Health Ministry to encourage smokers to overcome their addiction. The NEA will also continue to take enforcement action against smokers who flout the law. As of November, a total of 15,503 enforcement actions have been taken against non-compliant smokers.

Members of the public who observe smoking infringements may contact the NEA at 1800 225 5632.