SINGAPORE: The Orchard Road no-smoking zone has been expanded to include an area outside Somerset MRT station bound by Exeter Road and Killiney Road, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Thursday (Feb 1).
The Somerset Skate Park and sports and lifestyle attraction Trifecta are located within this area.
The expansion of the no-smoking zone is effective from Thursday, NEA said. However, there will be a two-month advisory period ending on Mar 31 where those caught smoking in the newly incorporated area will receive warnings.
“To facilitate a smooth implementation, NEA will take an advisory approach in the first two months where those caught smoking in the adjusted area along Exeter Road and Killiney Road will receive verbal warnings,” the agency said in an advisory on its website.
“However, smokers who repeatedly flout the law in spite of prior warnings may also be issued a fine up to S$1,000 (US$745). Smokers caught smoking in the existing Orchard Road no-smoking zone will continue to face enforcement action.”
Enforcement action will be taken against anyone who smokes in the adjusted area from Apr 1 unless they smoke within a new designated smoking area that has been set up there, NEA added.
Smoking has been banned in public areas in the Orchard Road precinct since Jan 1, 2019.
Smoking within the precinct is only allowed in designated smoking areas and permitted areas such as indoor smoking rooms in offices and entertainment outlets.