Banning multi-tasking

Smoking tobacco while walking in public places will be banned in South Korea if a proposed bill passes into law, according to a story in The Korea Times.

The bill, which was proposed early this month by Rep. Hwang Ju-hong of the Liberal Party for Democracy and Peace, is aimed at banning smoking on virtually all public roads and walkways.

“Non-smokers are often exposed to tobacco smoke because of some inconsiderate smokers,” Hwang was quoted as saying. “Public opinion is in favor of banning smoking while walking.”

If the National Assembly passes the bill, violators would be liable to a fine of 100,000 won ($90).

South Korea has already banned smoking in most restaurants, offices and public venues such as parks.

The Times said that smokers opposed to the bill complained that there were not enough smoking rooms.

According to a study by the Seoul Institute in 2017, there were 10,000 public smoking rooms in the city, which has a population of 10 million people.