One-Third of Vape Shops in Kaohsiung Closed After Taiwan's Vaping Ban Took Effect

According to Kaohsiung City’s health department in Taiwan, China, on Sunday (April 9), since the e-cigarette ban took effect in Taiwan on March 22, 15 of Kaohsiung’s 44 vape shops have already closed.

According to today’s reports, of the city’s 44 stores, 10 have completely ceased operations and 15 have shut their doors. The remaining stores have switched to selling other products, as shop owners said the fines are too high to risk violating the law.

In addition to intensive inspections of physical stores, the health department is also monitoring online sales and social media advertising. So far, one violator who produced e-cigarette advertisements will be called in for questioning and fined.

The amended Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act in Taiwan comprehensively bans e-cigarettes, raises the legal smoking age to 20, and increases penalties for violators.

Under the new rules, manufacturing or importing e-cigarettes can result in a fine of up to NT$50 million (US$1.65 million). Advertising agencies, media outlets, and advertisers found promoting unauthorized tobacco products can be fined up to NT$2 million.

Selling or displaying unauthorized tobacco products can result in a fine of up to NT$1 million. Supplying novel tobacco products and related devices is punishable by fines ranging from NT$10,000 to NT$250,000, while using e-cigarettes carries a fine of between NT$2,000 and NT$10,000.