Officials expected to take the lead on smoking ban
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Officials in the national government have announced a plan to enact an anti-smoking law that would ban smoking in all indoor public areas, workplaces and on public transportation.
The ban, which would go into effect next January if enacted, is based on the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which China signed in January 2006 and pledged to uphold within five years. Monday's announcement during a routine press conference was the first time the central government has made a plan for a long-term nationwide smoking ban.
Smoking bans in China have so far been implemented by local governments, with different standards, making tobacco control less effective. Moreover, many public places still reserve areas for smoking. Experts say that any tobacco control ultimately relies on the overall level of awareness of tobacco's harmful health effects and that government officials are expected to be role models.
During the national congress sessions in March, many delegates proposed a law banning public smoking. And, beginning this month, the Ministry of Health implemented a department-wide smoking ban to lead the country's tobacco control campaign, rewarding employees who quit smoking and punishing those who violated the ban. It also has doctors available for consultations and help.
The Beijing municipal government also started its smoking ban at the beginning of this month. Smoking is now prohibited in public areas such as restaurants, Internet cafes, parks and indoor waiting areas for public transportation.
There still remains controversy about whether a smoking ban should apply to indoor workplaces. Supporters focus on the hazard of secondhand smoke, whereas opponents think a complete ban is inhumane and propose reserving a special smoking section.
