Taiwan’s 47 national parks, scenic areas, and forest recreation areas are set to ban smoking outside of designated zones beginning April 1st. Smoking outside designated areas will also be banned in 3,790 parks and green spaces nationwide.
Director-General of the Health Promotion Administration Chiou Shu-Ti said that that 95% of those surveyed supported the restrictions on smoking. She said that 80% of respondents who identified as smokers supported the move as well.
"Smokers hope that the government will make a clear distinction too, so that they know where they can smoke and where they can’t," Chiou said. "Many parks and green areas are very small, so smokers only have to step out [of the park boundaries] to have a smoke. The most important thing for smokers is that their right to smoke is respected. If we designate smoking areas clearly, smokers will be able to follow the rules. Smokers welcome this decision. 80% of smokers expressed support for the policy."
Chiou said the designated areas would reduce conflict between smokers and non-smokers.