Taipei to launch 'smoke-free city' plan in 2026: Mayor Chiang

Taipei, Jan. 12 (CNA) The Taipei City government is looking at various options to limit smoking in public places, with some version of such a policy likely to be implemented this year, Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said Monday.

Asked about the issue at an event on Monday, Chiang confirmed to reporters that a "Taipei smoke-free city" plan is expected to be launched by the end of 2026.

City officials will study the "very successful" establishment of designated smoking areas in Tokyo, which has cut down on secondhand smoke and cigarette litter in the Japanese capital, he said.

"I hope we can change people's thinking -- that is, to prohibit [public smoking] in principle, but allow for some exceptions," Chiang said.

"It's very possible that we'll make reference to examples abroad, such as using designated smoking areas or booths," thereby separating smokers and non-smokers to improve the quality of public spaces, he said.