Taipei City Government will expand its smoking ban to Ximending’s pedestrian zones starting tomorrow. The ban also covers the entrance to Exit No. 4 of Ximen MRT Station. Officials said the move supports the goal of making Taipei a smoke-free city. Furthermore, violators will face fines up to NT$10,000 under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. However, people may still smoke in designated areas across the city.
The Department of Health first announced the non-smoking zone on April 28. That zone encompassed Zhonghua Road Sec 1, Xining South Road, Chengdu Road, and Hankou Street Sec 2. Subsequently, on May 27, the department issued another notice. It added Zhonghua Road Sec 1, Yanping South Road, Xiushan Street, and Hengyang Road. As a result, the smoking ban now extends to the area around Exit No. 4 of Ximen MRT Station.
Meanwhile, the department confirmed that a second negative-pressure smoke chamber commenced operations yesterday. This chamber sits near Xinzhongshan Linear Park, behind Exit No. 1 of Shuanglian MRT Station. Consequently, Taipei now has six such chambers citywide. Additionally, the total number of permitted smoking locations has reached 201. For instance, other chambers operate near Ximen MRT Exit No. 4, in front of a chicken chain branch, beside a Watsons store, by a bus parking lot exit, and near the R7 exit of the Zhongshan Underground Shopping Mall.
The department highlighted that Xinzhongshan Linear Park serves as a major recreational belt. Therefore, the smoking ban strictly prohibits smoking from the R1 exit of the Zhongshan MRT underground mall to Zhongyi MRT Station. Travelers must use designated smoking areas to avoid fines. Officials also noted that the new chamber enhances public health and cleanliness.
Overall, the expanded smoking ban reflects Taipei’s ongoing effort to curb tobacco exposure in crowded public spaces. City authorities plan to continue monitoring compliance. They also aim to adjust designated zones as needed. The initiative aligns with broader anti-smoking trends across Taiwan. Smokers should check permitted locations before lighting up.
