The National Environment Agency (NEA) will be extending the implementation date of the No Smoking Zone in the Orchard Road precinct by about six months to end 2018.
This is to provide more time for businesses to prepare for the zone. Measures include identifying suitable locations and the setting up of Designated Smoking Areas (DSAs), and getting smokers to be familiarise with the location of the new DSAs.
The new implementation date will be announced at a later date, according to a press release by NEA.
The No Smoking Zone in the Orchard Road precinct was initially slated to take effect from 1 July 2018.
NEA said it has been actively engaging the stakeholders in the Orchard Road precinct, including the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA), to ensure the successful implementation of the No Smoking Zone.
“Besides improving visitor experience in the Orchard Road precinct, the No Smoking Zone may also reduce cigarette consumption and motivate our employees to make better health choices," said Mr Steven Goh, ORBA's Executive Director. "To supplement these efforts, ORBA is also providing free weekly events for a whole year under the Work Great on A Great Street initiative. These events include fitness workouts, health screening, talks and workshops as well as corporate-wide events."