Forum: Take proactive approach to removing smoking corners at coffee shops

In Singapore, smoking has been prohibited at non-air-conditioned eateries, such as coffee shops, cafes, canteens, restaurants and hawker centres, since July 2006, except at designated smoking corners.

The National Environment Agency has said that the rationale is to reduce the public’s exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.

According to its figures, there are fewer than 400 smoking corners at retail food establishments as at December 2024.

Since it is common knowledge that second-hand smoke is harmful, the authorities should work towards the complete removal of smoking corners by a certain date, instead of waiting for the licences of the eateries with smoking corners to expire.

Separating smokers from non-smokers via a line drawn on the floor is an ineffective way to protect people from second-hand smoke. Why do people still have to tolerate the harm and smell of tobacco smoke almost 20 years after the ban took effect? Let eateries be just for food and drink.

If smokers can refrain from smoking at air-conditioned eateries, they can also do so at non-air-conditioned ones.

So, what is hindering the authorities from removing smoking corners completely by, say, 2026?

Chan Kok Keong