Our blog - Kanagawa --First nonsmoking prefecture
Kanagawa --First nonsmoking prefecture
- Category :
- Custom/Culture
Japan’s first antismoking ordinance took effect from April 1st. in Kanagawa
Prefecture, the second most populous prefecture, prohibiting smoking
in public facilities, including hospitals, schools and government offices.
The ordinance requires large restaurants and hotels to choose whether to become
non-smoking or create separate smoking areas. Restaurants and bars with
floor space of up to 100 sq. meters and hotels of up to 700 sq. meters
are exempt from the ordinance. However, they are required to “make efforts”
to provide a nonsmoking environment.
For violators, the ordinance sets fines of up to 2,000 yen for smokers and up to 20,000 yen for facility operators.
Antismoking code at swimming beaches is expected to be enforced by May.
