The National Environment Agency (NEA) has prohibited smoking in outdoor areas of universities, private education institutions and in private-hire cars from October 1, 2017.
Smoking will be banned in a 5 kilometer radius from kindergartens, child care centres, junior colleges and polytechnics, according to a press release.
The goal of the NEA is to make sure that smoking is done in the designated places, where the public won't be affected by its hazardous consequences.
The NEA is taking baby steps in putting this law into action. During the first three months of the ban, anyone who disregards the rule would be given a warning. But if smokers repeatedly ignore the warnings, will be slapped with a fine.
"Operators and premises managers are required to stop patrons, visitors and staff from smoking in such smoking prohibited areas or request that they leave the premises as stipulated by the law" said the NEA.
The government is looking to make socially responsible citizens who would be considerate of others while upholding their duties as citizens and urging others to do the same.
The prohibition of smoking in Singapore was first put into action in the year 1970 as part of the national effort to promote a smoke-free lifestyle.
Slowly, the NEA has expanded the list of smoke-free places under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act in consultation with the public and relevant stakeholders.
To help guide the public, the NEA is working with its various stakeholders to ensure that "No Smoking" signs are installed in the respective areas and bins with ashtrays are replaced or shifted with bins without ashtrays.
From January 1, 2018, offenders of the smoking law will face administrative action.
