Beijing’s Smoking Ban from 1 May 2009
Interesting …. Beijing said it will ban smoking in most public places starting from 1 May. I wondered if this is possible for a nation of 350 million smokers. However, this move is aligned with China’s pledge of a smoke-free Olympics.
Currently, more than 150 Chinese cities already have limited restrictions in place. However, Beijing is the first to ban smoking in ALL restaurants, bars, Internet cafes, hotels, offices, holiday resorts and all indoor areas of medical facilities. Hotels must also have rooms for non-smokers, but the ratio is still being discussed.
Institutions that fail to comply will be slapped with immediate fines of up to 5,000 yuan (USD713). The authorities has not decided how to deal with smokers breaking the new rule. Some restaurant owners, however, doubt the rule will be implemented. Not surprising, smoking is part of a meal for the smoking Chinese.
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