A smoking ban has taken effect this weekend on Taipeis Jian-Guo Shopping District, including the Flower and Jade markets. Smokers may face a fine of at least 2,000 NT dollars for violating the ban.

Every weekend, huge crowds converge on Taipei City's semi-open air flower market.

On the 17th, The Taipei City Government announced a new smoking ban for the Jianguo Shopping District.

Those that continue to smoke within the confines of the district, which is comprised of the flower, jade, and art markets, will be subject to fines of up to 10,000 NT under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.

According to the Taipei City Department of Health, workers will be patrolling the area to enforce the ban and the public can also call in to report violations.

The ban, which will be officially launched in three months, will be in effect on weekends and holidays between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.