Smokers unaware shisha smoking covered under NEA's regulations
By Jessica Yeo/Ahmad Sumantri, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 20 April 2009 2146 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Some smokers in Singapore are not aware that shisha smoking is covered under the National Environment Agency's (NEA's) smoking regulations.

And those who flout the rules can be fined if they are caught smoking shisha in prohibited areas, such as restaurants and hawker centres.

In shisha smoking, flavoured tobacco is smoked through a water pipe.

NEA says smoking is not allowed at food and entertainment outlets, and this applies to all types of tobacco products, including shisha.

However, many shisha smokers say they are unaware of this rule and the S$200 fine that comes with it.

One shisha smoker said: "I have been smoking shisha for about two years, but so far, I haven't heard anything about being fined for smoking shisha."

Another said: "I always smoke shisha with my friends. But I don't know about the fine for smoking shisha."

According to regulations, shisha outlets are allowed to designate up to 20 per cent of outdoor areas as smoking zones.

But a check at Arab Street and Haji Lane, a hotspot for shisha lovers, showed that some businesses did not follow the rules.

Not only will the operators get into trouble, their customers will be fined as well. That is why some smokers say shisha operators should enforce the rules.

"The owners of the cafe should take the responsibility of maintaining the order," said a shisha smoker.

Another said: "I think it is fair because rules are meant to be there, to separate smokers and non-smokers. I think infringing the rules is not right."

So far this year, 523 smokers have been caught for flouting the rules.

- CNA/yt