Taipei will begin implementing designated smoking zones and outdoor negative-pressure smoking rooms in the Ximen and Zhongshan districts this month, marking the first phase of a broader plan to establish 19 such areas citywide. From June 1, Ximen will become the first neighborhood where smoking is banned in public except within these designated rooms, with three facilities already prepared for operation. City officials said additional areas will follow as part of efforts to expand smoke-free spaces.
The announcement drew backlash from smokers, with critics citing limited locations, restricted hours, and capacity concerns, as the rooms operate from 8 a.m. to midnight and accommodate about 10 people, though authorities said they are within a five-minute walk of key locations and align with practices seen in other cities.