South Korea Plans Full Smoking Ban Next Year; Smoking in Restaurants and Internet Cafes May Bring a

International Online special report: According to a December 11 report by Yonhap News Agency, starting January 1, 2015, South Korea will fully prohibit smoking in public places such as restaurants of all sizes, cafes, internet cafes, and bus terminals. E-cigarettes are also included in the ban. Anyone caught smoking will be fined 100,000 won (about RMB 550), while the corresponding business owner will be fined 1.7 million won (about RMB 9,500).

It is reported that under South Korea's current regulations, only restaurants with an area of more than 100 square meters are required to implement no-smoking rules. Beginning next year, however, the smoking ban will be expanded to restaurants of all sizes nationwide. At present, only a little over 80,000 restaurants are enforcing the no-smoking rule, but from next year, all 600,000 restaurants across South Korea will be required to do so.

It is worth noting that some public venues in South Korea, such as restaurants, cafes, and internet cafes, previously had smoking seats. Starting next year, business owners must convert those smoking seats back into non-smoking seats. If necessary, they may set up separate smoking rooms. However, smoking rooms must be completely enclosed spaces equipped with professional ventilation systems. Aside from ashtrays and other smoking-related necessities, no tables or chairs may be placed inside, and beverages may not be sold there. (Haiyan)