Impact of Smoking Ban in Orchard Road on Shopping Experience There

Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources since the implementation of the smoking ban in the Orchard Road area (a) how many smokers have been warned; (b) what has been the response of foreign visitors; and (c) what has been the impact on shopping experience in the Orchard Road area.

The Orchard Road No-Smoking Zone (NSZ) came into force on 1 January 2019, as part of the Government’s long-term goal of achieving a smoke-free Singapore.

To date, about 2,200 verbal advisories have been issued daily by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to smokers for lighting up in the newly-prohibited areas. Smokers, including foreign visitors, have been generally receptive when advised by NEA officers about the new law. Most comply by smoking at one of the more than 40 Designated Smoking Areas located within the NSZ.

NEA will maintain this advisory approach during the first three months of the prohibition and will closely monitor the situation on the ground to ensure the NSZ is implemented smoothly. With the shopping belt and its main thoroughfare now smoke-free, we expect the overall shopping experience in Orchard Road to improve, as pedestrians can enjoy cleaner air and a healthier environment there.