Overview of the Ordinance on Restrictions on Smoking in Public Places in Inagi City

Smoking on the streets and other places poses a risk of secondhand smoke and can be dangerous and bothersome to those around. To restrict this, in addition to the measures stipulated in the Health Promotion Act, the responsibilities of the Mayor of Inagi City, citizens, business operators, and smokers are clarified. Furthermore, in consideration of the purpose of the Inagi City Clean City Ordinance, efforts are made to prevent littering of cigarette butts. The aim is to ensure and maintain a safe and comfortable living environment and promote environmental beautification through cooperation between smokers and non-smokers. This has been in effect since April 1, 2018.

Overview of the Ordinance

Purpose of the Ordinance

We will regulate street smoking that poses a risk and nuisance to those around, as well as the littering of cigarette butts.

Regulations throughout the city

Restriction on Smoking While Walking

Efforts will be made to refrain from smoking while walking on the streets and other areas throughout the city.

Refraining from smoking on the streets and around people

In situations where there are people nearby throughout the city, we will strive to refrain from smoking on the streets and other public places.

Regulations on Smoking in Prohibited Areas such as Streets

Smoking on the streets and in designated smoking ban areas is prohibited.
A fine of 2,000 yen is stipulated for violators.

• Related Articles on Administrative Fines Collection (Inagi Newsletter October 1, 2019 Issue, Page 1) (PDF 1.0MB)

Handling of Heated Tobacco Products

Since it falls under the category of manufactured tobacco as defined by the Tobacco Business Act, heated tobacco products are also subject to regulation.

Examples of Main Products (as of January 2018)

• Philip Morris Japan Limited "IQOS"
• British American Tobacco Japan LLC's "glo"
• Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) product "Ploom TECH"

Reasons for Regulation

Regarding the health hazards of secondhand smoke from heated tobacco products, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has determined that it is currently not scientifically clear. However, due to the presence of nicotine derived from tobacco leaves, it is subject to regulation.

Handling of Smoking Areas

The city will not establish smoking areas on the streets or elsewhere to prevent passive smoking.
Business Operators are expected to make efforts to ensure that tobacco smoke generated on their own premises does not cause passive smoking to people in the smoking prohibition areas on the streets or elsewhere, by removing or relocating ashtrays and preventing smoke from escaping, among other environmental considerations.

Street Smoking Prevention Instructor

To ensure the effectiveness of the ordinance, we will efficiently and effectively deploy street smoking prevention instructors to conduct awareness activities and guidance.

Supporter System for the Ordinance on Restrictions on Smoking in Public Places in Inagi City

To enhance the enforceability of the ordinance, a system has been established with the aim of expanding awareness activities utilizing private land such as private roads and stores within the prohibited area.

• Supporter System for the Ordinance on Restrictions on Smoking in Public Places in Inagi City

Definition of Terms

Roadside, etc.

Roads, parks, and other outdoor public places managed by the prefecture and city

Tobacco

Manufactured tobacco as defined in Article 2, Item 3 of the Tobacco Business Act, or substitutes for manufactured tobacco as defined in Article 38, Paragraph 2 of the same Act, intended for smoking. Specifically, the following items.

• Cigarettes
• Cigar
• Pipe tobacco (including heated tobacco)
• Cut Tobacco

Smoking

Smoking or possessing lit tobacco.

Street Smoking

Smoking in public places. Specifically, the following actions.

• Smoking while stopped
• Smoking while sitting
• Walking while smoking, etc.

Walking while smoking

Smoking while walking or riding a bicycle or motorcycle on the street or similar places. Specifically, the following actions.

• Smoking while walking
• Smoking while riding a bicycle, motorized bicycle, or motorcycle
• Smoking while skating with skateboards, roller skates, kickboards, etc.