"Please Put Out Your Cigarette" Delivery Workers Smoking Cause Distress in Apartment and Residential Areas

Conflicts Over Smoking at Apartment Entrances Among Some Delivery Workers

A 'No Smoking' warning sign posted at the entrance of an apartment in OO-dong, OO-gu, Seoul. Photo by Han Seung-gon. hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Conflicts continue as some delivery workers smoke at apartment or residential area entrances. Security guards responsible for apartment security say it is practically difficult to enforce regulations. Residents complain that smoking in non-smoking areas causes significant harm, especially those living on the first floor who express particular distress.

Recently, Mr. A, a man in his 30s living in an apartment in Seoul, witnessed a shocking scene on his way home from work. The entire apartment complex where Mr. A lives is a non-smoking area, with "No Smoking" warning signs posted not only at the first-floor entrance but also throughout the premises. However, one delivery worker smoked in the no-smoking zone and then left on a motorcycle.

Mr. A expressed frustration, saying, "It's not about criticizing smoking itself, but I don't understand why they smoke in non-smoking areas." He raised his voice, stating, "Because of some thoughtless delivery workers, the entire delivery industry is being criticized."

On some online communities and cafes where apartment residents gather, posts condemning this behavior can be seen. Mr. B, a man in his 40s, said, "I could smell cigarette smoke from the food packaging that was delivered," and lamented, "I hope those working in delivery and food-related jobs would refrain from smoking."

Reference photo. The photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Another man in his 40s, Mr. C, said, "I even saw someone openly smoking on the entrance stairs," and raised his voice, "Just thinking about how annoyed the first-floor residents must be makes me furious."

Another resident said, "There are also cases of smoking in the underground parking lot," and lamented, "There is a fire risk, so I hope strict warnings are issued." He added, "I feel uneasy wondering if the cigarette butts are completely extinguished when they are thrown away."

Concerns about fire hazards caused by cigarette butts are growing amid smoking by some delivery workers.

According to statistics from the National Fire Information Center of the Fire Agency, fires caused by cigarette butts increased by about 25%, from 5,287 cases in 2010 to 6,592 cases in 2011. The number rose to 6,952 cases in 2014 and reached a record high of 7,000 cases since 2009 in 2017. Although it decreased to 5,980 cases in 2018, it still exceeds 5,000 cases.

As a result, casualties have not decreased. In 2017, there were 145 casualties due to cigarette butt fires, a 17.9% increase compared to the previous year, and in 2018, the number was similar at 143.

Security guards say they are practically unable to enforce regulations. A security guard in his 60s managing an apartment in OO-dong, Seoul, said, "Of course, we stop and warn anyone smoking in no-smoking zones," but lamented, "Most delivery workers smoke secretly or quickly leave on their motorcycles, so it is really frustrating."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.