Tobacco manufacturer flouts anti-smoking law enforcers

A staff member of a conference center attached to the China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), a state-owned manufacturer of tobacco products, shows a box of toothpaste when anti-smoking law enforcers inspect the center. (Photo/Screenshot from CCTV)
(ECNS) -- Staff members of a conference center attached to the China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), a state-owned manufacturer of tobacco products, have become the first to openly resist anti-smoking laws enforcers in Beijing, the Beijing News reported on Wednesday.

The Jinyeyuan Convention Center in Beijing's Pinggu District shut its doors to a team from Beijing Health Inspection, which is responsible for ensuring the implementation of Beijing's strict anti-smoking laws that became effective on June 1.

On July 14, bureau inspectors found items advertising tobacco at the center and ordered the situation to be corrected. But the center failed to make any corrections and refused to cooperate. In the end, inspectors reported the incident to the CNTC.

Inspectors were blocked again when they visited the center on July 31.

"This is the first place that has refused to enforce the tobacco law in the 10 years of my career," said Wang Benjin, Deputy Director of Beijing Health Inspection.