Fukuoka City Assembly has approved amendments to strengthen public smoking regulations in central districts around Hakata Station and Tenjin-Daimyo. The revised ordinance expands restrictions beyond roads to include parks and public squares and prohibits smoking entirely, including while standing still, within designated areas. Heated tobacco products are now explicitly covered by the rules. The city also committed to developing additional smoking-separation facilities and related measures. The implementation date will be set through future regulations, while officials will review whether restricted zones should be revised after the ordinance takes effect. The assembly also approved a supplementary budget that includes subsidies of up to JPY30,000 for households replacing air conditioners and refrigerators with energy-efficient models. Source: NHK News / Yomiuri Shimbun
Photo: Fukuoka Now
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