Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) on Thursday, May 7, inspected a new negative-pressure enclosed smoking area in the Ximen commercial district that was set up under a policy aimed at separating smokers from nonsmokers in outdoor public spaces. A total of 183 smoking areas have been established citywide as of April 30, according to the city government.

“I think this is an important milestone in Taipei City’s push to become a smoke-free city,” Chiang told reporters, after he was publicly briefed by city health officials at the glass-walled smoking area.

The key to promoting a smoke-free city is doing a good job of separating smokers and non-smokers, Chiang said, adding that nonsmokers should be able to walk without suffering from secondhand or thirdhand smoke. The mayor said Taipei has made considerable progress on restricting indoor smoking, but many residents have told the city they are still affected by smoke while walking outdoors.

Around 80% of residents support setting up designated smoking areas, Chiang added, citing a survey conducted by the city government last year.

The Taipei health department said in a news release that Ximen will become fully smoke-free starting June 1, with inspections set to begin next month. Under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, people who smoke in designated non-smoking areas may be fined up to NT$10,000 (US$319).

Health warning: Smoking is harmful to health. Under Taiwan’s Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, people under 20 and pregnant women are prohibited from smoking.