Which places are allowed to have areas reserved exclusively for smokers in Vietnam

According to Article 12 of the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention of Vietnam, non-smoking indoor places allowed to have areas reserved exclusively for smokers include:

- International areas in airports;

- Bars, karaoke clubs, dance halls, hotels and tourist accommodation establishments;

- Means of public transportation being ships and trains.

However, the smokers’ area must satisfy the following conditions:

- Having rooms with air ventilation systems separate from non-smoking areas;

- Having containers for tobacco filters and ashes and noticeable signboards;

- Having fire prevention devices.

Besides, the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention of Vietnam also stipulates the rights and responsibilities of heads and managers of non-smoking places as follows:

- Heads and managers of non-smoking places may:

• Compel violators to stop smoking in the non-smoking areas; to penalize administrative violations as prescribed by law;

• Request the violators to leave their facilities;

• Refuse to receive or provide services for violators when they continue their violation after being reminded.

- Heads and managers of non-smoking places must:

• Implement Article 6 of this Law;

• Organize the implementation, guide, inspect and urge everyone to strictly comply with the smoking ban at the places under their management; put up sign boards with non-smoking words or symbol at places where smoking is prohibited.

View more details at the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention of Vietnam, officially effective from January 01, 2013.

Ty Na

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