Asia-Pacific

Smokers face fine in Seoul's main squares

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-31 17:21

SEOUL - Smokers in Seoul will no longer be able to light up in the city's main squares as they will be fined 100,000 won ($93) starting Wednesday if they are caught smoking, local media reported Tuesday.

A smoking ban ordinance affects three main squares in downtown Seoul - Seoul Plaza, Cheongyecheon Plaza and Gwanghwamun Plaza in a bid to reduce side effects of secondhand smoking in public places.

These three places have been designated as no-smoking zones since March this year, but Wednesday will mark the first day that the ban comes into force with the fine of 100,000 won.

City officials will patrol the areas from 9 am to 7 pm every day to enforce the ban, according to local media reports.

Seoul also plans to designate additional public spaces as no-smoking areas within this year, adding 21 city parks by September and 295 major bus stations by December.