SINGAPORE

Smoking Ban Expanded: Singapore widened its smoking ban to banks, barber shops, beauty parlors, taxis and private buses and mandated heavy fines for violations. Vehicle operators and managers of places where smoking is prohibited must have patrons obey the new law or face a fine up to $600. There’s already a $300 fine for those who light up in cinemas, fast food outlets, public buses, subways, government offices, hospitals and clinics. Smoking also is banned in restaurants, stores and indoor sports arenas. Smokers may light up in pubs but only during hours in which no food is served. The new rules are part of a campaign to transform this island’s 3 million people into a nation of nonsmokers. Smokers are believed to comprise only 13.6% of the population age 15 and above.