Starting October, come after you smoke – "Ningxia Night Market" to become Taiwan's first smoke-free night market

▲ Ningxia Night Market will become Taiwan’s first smoke-free night market. (Photo / Xiao Hu Food Dream Network)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Following its fame from launching the Millennium Banquet and calorie labeling for food, Ningxia Night Market is now set to become Taiwan’s first smoke-free night market. The entire pedestrian area will be entirely smoke-free, and visitors are encouraged to finish smoking before entering. Violators may face fines of up to NT$10,000, with the policy expected to take effect as early as October.

According to a report by Liberty Times, Lin Dingguo, the general manager of the Ningxia Business District Development Association, stated that the majority of vendors have agreed to the plan, as they believe a smoke-free environment is more hygienic and can enhance the overall image of the night market. The initial plan is to designate the smoke-free zone along Ningxia Road, covering all stalls. A designated smoking cessation area will also be set up outside the smoke-free zone, allowing visitors to finish smoking there before continuing to explore the night market. Signage will be placed at entrances, and multilingual maps will inform people which areas are non-smoking.

But how will penalties be enforced against foreign tourists? Lin Liru, head of Health Management at Taipei City’s Department of Health, said that inspectors will be stationed on-site to advise against smoking, and fines will only be issued if vendors repeatedly ignore the rules. Foreign visitors will also be asked to pay the fine immediately at nearby convenience stores to prevent issues with collection after their departure. Lin Dingguo also mentioned that once Ningxia Night Market sets this precedent, the Shida Night Market area may also consider following suit.

% Over 600 paper pandas visited Taiwan and had a flash mob at Ningxia Night Market while enjoying the “Millennium Banquet.” (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)