No smoking in Orchard Road by July 1 next year; F&B outlets no longer able to apply for smoking corners

If you are a smoker looking to quit the habit, this piece of news might help to disincentivise you further.

From 1 July 2018, smoking will no longer be allowed along the entire stretch of Orchard Road from Tanglin to Dhoby Ghaut, except at designated smoking areas, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) today.

The smoke-free area extends from Tanglin Road to Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, up to Goodwood Park Hotel at Scotts Road.

Smoking areas, initially introduced to reduce second-hand smoke exposure, will also be removed. Only 5 smoking zones will be allowed to remain at Somerset MRT Station, Cuppage Terrace, Far East Plaza, Orchard Towers and The Heeren.

In the first three months of enforcing the shopping belt as a smoke-free zone, those caught smoking will only receive verbal warnings. Smokers who disregard the law and are repeatedly caught flouting the law may be fined. From Oct 1 next year, a fine of up to S$1,000 will be slapped on errant smokers.

NEA also announced that food retail establishments can no longer apply for licenses allowing smoking corners. Existing smoking corners will be allowed to remain until an existing license is terminated.

These are the latest steps taken by the government to bring Singapore closer to achieving the goal of prohibiting smoking in all public areas.

Click here for more reasons to curb the smoking habit.

Cover image: Alphasoutheastasia