Law on smoking might change this year

The Shanghai government is expected to ban smoking indoors at all public venues and workplaces this year, an official said yesterday.

"We have been pushing for a complete smoking ban for many years," said Li Zhongyang, vice director of the Shanghai Health Enhance Commission.

"Surveys conducted last year found that 94 percent of residents support a complete ban, and the smoking rate in public areas dropped to 13 percent last year from 38 percent before the execution of the current law," he told a press conference.

Under current law, 13 types of public areas, including primary schools, kindergartens and children's hospitals, are subject to a total ban on smoking.

"In the past, local authorities have issued fines totaling 1.9 million yuan ($290,000) to 971 venues and 482 individuals for violating the laws on smoking," Li said.

Last year, 201 facilities and 148 individuals were fined about 380,000 yuan, he said.

Fewer people are smoking in places like Internet cafes, entertainment venues and restaurants, he said.

Li said the commission has spoken to different government departments on how to administer a total ban, but he didn't give any indication of exactly when it might be introduced or how it would be applied.

"We visited airports and railway stations last year to discuss how to remove smoking rooms once the amended law is enacted," he said.

A series of "anti-smoking events" will be launched in the city between today and March 13 to mark the sixth anniversary of the city's anti-smoking law and raise public awareness of it, Li said.