Major Smoking Ban Coming to Beijing Next Year

Last week, the Chinese government took one of its most aggressive steps against tobacco, an expensive smoking ban in Beijing.

Chinese state media has announced that anti-totbacco legislation was passed last week, most notably, a ban on smoking at all indoor public places, work places and transport vehicles in Beijing. Enforcement is set to begin on June 1. Smoking outside schools, hospitals and sports venues will also be banned.

It remains to be seen whether the Chinese government will enforce the new rules, previous smoking bans in China have been passed and largely ignored.

In addition to the smoking ban, the new law seeks to limit tobacco advertising. It bans tobacco companies from advertising on billboards, television, radio, the internet and newspapers. Tobacco sponsorships will also be prohibited.