Imsil County to Enforce Smoking Ban at 886 Locations Including Restaurants and Schools

Until December 9... Checking for Smoke-Free Zone Signs and Compliance

Imsil County in North Jeolla Province announced on November 5 that it will conduct comprehensive guidance and enforcement on smoke-free zones, including public facilities, until December 9.

Exterior view of Imsil County Health and Medical Center. Provided by Imsil County

The county will carry out intensive guidance and enforcement until November 12 to create a "smoke-free and clean Imsil."

In accordance with the National Health Promotion Act and the Imsil County Ordinance on Creating a Smoke-Free Environment and Preventing Damage from Secondhand Smoke, county officials and smoking cessation supervisors will jointly inspect 886 designated smoke-free zones, including terminals, restaurants, and schools.

The inspection teams will check whether smoke-free zone signs are posted, whether smoking room installation standards are being followed, and will monitor and enforce against smoking within smoke-free areas.

In particular, following the amendment of the National Health Promotion Act in August last year, the county will focus enforcement on the expanded smoke-free zones within 30 meters of the boundaries of kindergartens, daycare centers, and elementary, middle, and high school facilities. Minor violations will be corrected on site, while repeat offenders and businesses or individuals caught smoking will be subject to fines.

The Health and Medical Center's smoking cessation clinic provides one-on-one counseling, smoking cessation aids, and behavioral therapy to those wishing to quit smoking, and operates programs to support successful smoking cessation.

Kim Daegon, Director of the Health and Medical Center, stated, "Smoke-free zones are the minimum promise to reduce secondhand smoke in public places. We will continue our guidance and enforcement efforts to better protect the health of our residents."