Beijing passes very proactive smoking ban bill

Want China Times, Xinhua 2014-11-29

The Beijing government passed a bill to control smoking on Nov. 28. Those
regulations will take effect on June 1, 2015. (Photo/Xinhua)

Beijing adopted anti-smoking legislation on Friday, vowing to ban smoking in all indoor public areas, workplaces and public transport vehicles.

The draft regulation was passed by vote at a meeting of the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress. It is scheduled to become effective on June 1 next year.

According to the bill, smoking is also prohibited everywhere, including outside in kindergartens, schools, child welfare institutions, women and children's hospitals, fitness and sports venues, and cultural relic protection sites open to the public.

Tobacco advertisements are not allowed to appear outdoors, in public places and transportation areas, or in media including radio, TV, films, newspapers, books, and internet. All forms of tobacco promotions and title sponsorship are banned.

Teachers are forbidden from smoking in front of students in primary and secondary schools. Schools are also required to help students quit smoking and educate them about the harm of smoking.

The regulation also prohibits selling cigarettes to minors through vending machines and over the internet.