Most Taiwanese Welcome 'smoking on the Move' Ban: Survey

Most Taiwanese approve of plans to ban smoking while walking, according to a survey on Wednesday, indicating that a proposed law to curb tobacco use on the move will enjoy big public support.

Nearly 58 percent of the island's residents oppose smoking while travelling on foot, and more than 84 percent are against smoking while driving, according to a survey of over 1,000 people conducted by Taiwan Institute of Economic Research.

The poll comes as the Environmental Protection Administration is drafting a bill that will make it illegal to smoke while walking, riding a motorbike or driving a car.

Violators will face a fine of 6,000 Taiwan dollars (188 US dollars) if the law is approved by parliament, the agency said.

Taiwan has been part of a worldwide trend looking to tighten anti-smoking rules in recent years. The island banned smoking in all indoor public places in early 2009.

It has also outlawed all cigarette advertisement and imposed a "health tax" on cigarettes, a move the health department credits with helping to cut smoking by 10 percent.

Lung cancer has long been a leading cause of death in Taiwan, which has about five million smokers out of a total population of 23 million, according to government figures.

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Source-AFP
THK