Beijing rolls out tough ban on public smoking

Beijing on Monday imposed a ban on smoking in all indoor public places, the country’s toughest to date, as China considers passing a nationwide tobacco control law.

The report said that the new legislation in the capital also banned tobacco advertisements, promotions and sponsorships in public places.

According to the report, written and graphic health warning signs must also take up at least half of the total area of the packets.

In 2011, China’s Ministry of Health banned smoking in all public indoor spaces like hotels and restaurants nationwide, but the vague guidelines were often flouted by businesses and individuals.

“Beijing has now set the standard for the adoption of a strong set of tobacco control policies at national level.

“The Beijing government’s action will save lives,’’ Dr Bernhard Schwartländer, World Health Organisation representative in China, told newsmen.

The Legislative Affairs Office of China’s State Council published a draft national tobacco control law in November.

Report says if adopted, it will make all indoor and some outdoor public places in China smoke-free, ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

It added that require graphic health warnings covered half of all Chinese tobacco packets.