Smokers unaware shisha smoking covered under NEA's regulations
SINGAPORE: Some smokers in Singapore are not aware that shisha
smoking is covered under the National Environment Agency's (NEA’s)
smoking regulations.
And those who flout the rules can be fined if they are caught
smoking shisha in prohibited areas, such as restaurants and hawker
centres.
In shisha smoking, flavoured tobacco is smoked through a water pipe.
NEA says smoking is not allowed at food and entertainment outlets,
and this applies to all types of tobacco products, including shisha.
However, many shisha smokers say they are unaware of this rule and the S$200 fine that comes with it.
One shisha smoker said: “I have been smoking shisha for about two
years, but so far, I haven't heard anything about being fined for
smoking shisha.”
Another said: “I always smoke shisha with my friends. But I don't know about the fine for smoking shisha.”
According to regulations, shisha outlets are allowed to designate up to 20 per cent of outdoor areas as smoking zone.
But a check at Arab Street and Haji Lane, a hotspot for shisha lovers, showed that some businesses did not follow the rules.
Not only will the operators get into trouble, their customers will
be fined as well. That is why some smokers say shisha operators should
enforce the rules.
“The owners of the cafe should take the responsibility of maintaining the order,” said a shisha smoker.
Another said: “I think it is fair because rules are meant to be
there, to separate smokers and non-smokers. I think infringing the
rules is not right.”
So far this year, 523 smokers have been caught for flouting the rules.
- CNA/yt
me so long no go shisha liao
I think a non-smoker should not enter a restaurant that has shisha smoking on the menu. Warning signs should be posted at the door. And if that person choses to enter, should not complain about the smoke. Worse, rally that the smoking should be prohibited because non-smokers health are at peril.
If you don't want to get wet, don't jump into the swimming pool, worse, to ask that the water be drained out because of that.