Yeonggwang County to Intensively Crack Down on Smoking in Non-Smoking Zones

Front View of Yeonggwang County Office

The Yeonggwang County Public Health Center in South Jeolla Province announced on December 9 that it will conduct inspections and enforcement of non-smoking zones to prevent the harms of secondhand smoke and create a health-friendly environment in the region.

With a recent increase in complaints about smoking in designated non-smoking areas within public spaces, and growing concerns over youth exposure to smoking, the county plans to carry out intensive crackdowns focusing on areas frequently used by residents, such as parks, bus stops, school vicinities, and traditional markets.

The main inspection items include: ▲ enforcement and guidance against smoking in non-smoking zones ▲ checking the installation and maintenance status of non-smoking signs and facilities ▲ imposing fines of up to 100,000 won on violators ▲ simultaneous inspections of tobacco retailers and efforts to improve environments harmful to youth.

Based on the inspection results, the county will expand environmental improvement projects, such as replacing and adding non-smoking signs, and will continue to promote anti-smoking education and campaigns in collaboration with schools and institutions.

An official from the public health center stated, "Secondhand smoke is a public health issue that can affect anyone, and compliance with non-smoking zones is the first step toward raising civic awareness and creating a healthier local environment." The official added, "We ask for active cooperation from residents so that this joint inspection can further spread a non-smoking culture."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.