Since 1 January 2019, public areas within the Orchard Road precinct have been designated as a No Smoking Zone (NSZ), where smoking is only allowed in Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs).
The National Environment Agency (NEA) works closely with the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), public agencies, as well as owners and management of building premises in the Orchard Road precinct to ensure a smooth implementation.
Adjustment to Orchard Road No Smoking Zone boundary
From 1 February 2024, the Orchard Road NSZ (ORNSZ) boundaries will be adjusted and expanded along Exeter Road and Killiney Road as indicated by the shaded area below. A new DSA as indicated by the white triangle has been set up to cater to smokers.
Smoking corners within the No Smoking Zone
All smoking corners at retail food establishments within the NSZ were rescinded by 31 December 2018. Since 30 June 2017, NEA has stopped accepting applications for new smoking corners in retail food establishments island-wide.
Smoking enforcement
To facilitate a smooth implementation, NEA will take an advisory approach in the first two months (1 February 2024 to 31 March 2024), where those caught smoking in the adjusted area along Exeter Road and Killiney Road will receive verbal warnings. However, smokers who repeatedly flout the law in spite of prior warnings may also be issued a fine up to $1,000. Smokers caught smoking in the existing ORNSZ will continue to face enforcement action. From 1 April 2024, enforcement action will be taken against all offenders who smoke in public areas within the No Smoking Zone, other than at DSAs.
Premises owners within the NSZ are encouraged to demarcate DSAs and put up directional signage within their premises, if they deem it necessary to facilitate the convenience of smokers among their occupants and visitors.
Operators and managers of smoking prohibited premises are required by law to request smokers to cease smoking or leave the premises if they wish to continue smoking. Operators and managers should also ensure sufficient “No Smoking By Law” signage are displayed in conspicuous locations to remind smokers that smoking is prohibited.
Everyone can help to ensure the effective implementation of the Orchard Road NSZ. Smokers are reminded to be socially responsible and considerate when smoking in public places and to smoke in permitted areas [1] or DSAs only. Friendly and timely reminders from family, friends and other members of the community can also help to reinforce the right social behaviour and norms.
[1] "Permitted areas" refers to indoor smoking rooms in certain places such as office premises and entertainment outlets (e.g. pubs, bars, lounges) as permitted under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act.
Map of ORNSZ boundaries and the locations of DSAs