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

Smoking in public places such as streets may cause passive smoking and pose dangers and nuisances to those around. To restrict this, in addition to the measures stipulated by the Health Promotion Act, the responsibilities to be fulfilled by Inagi City, citizens, Business Operators, and smokers are clarified. Furthermore, in light of the purpose of the Inagi City Citizen Ordinance for Keeping the City Clean, efforts are made to prevent the littering of cigarette butts. This aims to contribute to securing and maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment and promoting environmental beautification through the cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. This ordinance has been in effect since April 1, 2018.

Overview of the Ordinance

Purpose of the Ordinance

Regulates smoking on streets and other public places that may cause "passive smoking," "danger and nuisance to people nearby," and "littering of cigarette butts."

Regulations throughout the entire city

Refraining from smoking while walking

Efforts should be made to refrain from smoking while walking on streets and other public places throughout the city.

Refraining from smoking on the streets and around people

Throughout the entire city, efforts should be made to refrain from smoking on the streets and similar places when there are people nearby, even temporarily.

Regulations on Smoking in Prohibited Areas such as Streets

Smoking on the streets and similar areas within prohibited zones is forbidden.
A fine of 2,000 yen is stipulated for those who violate this regulation.

• Related article on fine collection (Inagi Newsletter October 1, 2019 issue, page 1) (PDF 1.0MB)

Handling of heated tobacco products

Since they fall under manufactured tobacco as defined by the Tobacco Business Act, heated tobacco products are also subject to regulation.

Examples of Major Products (As of January 2018)

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

Reasons for Regulation

Regarding health damage caused by secondhand smoke from heated tobacco products, although the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare currently judges that it has not been scientifically clarified, these products are regulated because they contain nicotine derived from tobacco leaves.

Handling of Smoking Areas

From the city's perspective on preventing passive smoking, no smoking areas will be established on streets or similar public spaces.
Business Operators shall endeavor to maintain the environment by removing or relocating ashtrays and preventing smoke leakage so as not to cause passive smoking to people on streets or similar areas within no-smoking zones due to tobacco smoke generated on their own premises.

Street Smoking Prevention Instructors

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, the system was established with the aim of expanding awareness activities utilizing privately owned land such as private roads and stores within the prohibited areas.

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

Definition of Terms

Public Places

Roads, parks, and other outdoor public use areas managed by the prefecture, city, or municipality

Tobacco

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

• Cigarette
• Cigar
• Pipe tobacco (including heated tobacco)
• Cut tobacco

Smoking

The act of smoking tobacco or holding lit tobacco.

Smoking in public places

Smoking in public places. Specifically, the following actions.

• Smoking while standing still
• Smoking while sitting
• Smoking while walking, etc.

Smoking while walking

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.