Printing shocking images on cigarette packaging sets off the gag reflex in smokers, convincing them to either kick the habit or reduce their intake. If smokers view repulsive images on a daily basis, however, they become desensitized and eventually light up when the need arises. When all is said and done, graphic warning labels are yet another triumph of form over substance. The ineffectiveness of tobacco control in China mainly stems from weak enforcement of the smoking ban at indoor public venues; it has nothing to do with the shock value of graphic warnings, or lack thereof. So how should we enforce a smoking ban at public venues? Firstly, we should emulate Hong Kong by incorporating a penal code into the smoking ban; and secondly, the Chinese government should remove itself from the tobacco economy as soon as possible, and be willing to combat tobacco use instead of doing everything just for show.

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