Meanwhile, lawmakers also made a move toward improving indoor air quality by drafting amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, which will impose a complete smoking ban in all indoor public areas, meaning designated smoking rooms will not be allowed once the new policy is enforced.

New tobacco regulations went into effect 2 years ago with a "tobacco health tax" rising to 20 NT$ per pack.

However, the number of smokers has not dropped, and amongst women and young people it has actually increased.

Many studies have confirmed that nicotine and tar in cigarettes contain carcinogens that pose a threat to human health.

For this reason, 150 domestic NGOs jointly promoted amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act including a ban on smoking in indoor public space and a total ban on smoking in the workplace.

Smoking will also be banned outdoors in parks and beaches aside from specially designated areas.

They also called for warnings to take up 90% of cigarette packaging and prohibitions on the display of tobacco in stores as well as promotional activities.

They also called for an increase in the tobacco tax by 20 NT$.

Now that the current proposal has the support of 19 legislators, if passed, sports and fitness areas will be smoke-free and local authorities can call upon the police to enforce these regulations and penalties.

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