The government said Tuesday it plans to restrict use of heat-not-burn tobacco products but will give up efforts to impose a total ban on indoor smoking, backpedaling from its initial goals to prevent passive smoking amid industry resistance.
Heat-not-burn tobacco products will be restricted because users inhale nicotine and other substances that can cause cancer, but use of such products will be allowed in specially designated rooms at restaurants where customers will also be able to eat and drink, according to the latest government plan.
Under the plan, drawn up by the health ministry, smoking will be completely banned in hospitals, schools, universities and government offices to protect children and others from secondhand smoke.