Smoking at Gas Stations Now Punishable by Fines Up to 5 Million Won

Partial Amendment to the Hazardous Materials Safety Control Act to Take Effect on July 31

From now on, smoking inside gas stations will be subject to a fine of up to 5 million won.

The Ulsan Fire Department announced on the 30th that effective penalties will be enforced as the partial amendment to the Hazardous Materials Safety Control Act, which includes regulations prohibiting smoking inside hazardous material facilities (manufacturing plants) such as gas stations, will take effect from July 31.

The main amendments are as follows: ▲Prohibition of smoking in places other than designated areas within manufacturing plants, with violators subject to a fine of up to 5 million won ▲Obligation for related personnel to install signs indicating non-smoking areas within manufacturing plants ▲Authority for city and provincial governors to order the installation or improvement of non-smoking signs, with a fine of up to 5 million won for non-compliance.

Previously, the Hazardous Materials Safety Control Act allowed for sanctions against smoking through regulations prohibiting the use of "machines or devices that generate sparks" in manufacturing plants where there is a risk of leakage or presence of flammable liquids.

However, there was an issue that it was difficult to directly apply these regulations as a direct penalty for individuals caught smoking in gas stations.

With this amendment, a legal basis has been established to directly impose fines on those who smoke in places other than designated areas within manufacturing plants, including gas stations.

In particular, the order to install or improve non-smoking signs within manufacturing plants further ensures the effectiveness of the regulation.

A representative from the Fire Department stated, "Smoking in manufacturing plants that store and handle hazardous materials can cause major fires and explosions, so special caution is needed," and added, "Since gas stations are frequently used by the general public, the voluntary participation of all citizens and related personnel in complying with the smoking ban is necessary."

Photo by Jo Yongjun

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