Beijing passes bill to ban smoking in all indoor public places

A no-smoking sign at a hospital in Nantong city, Jiangsu province, May 18, 2011. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING -- Beijing adopted an anti-smoking legislation on Friday, vowing to ban smoking in all indoor public places, workplaces and public transport vehicles.

The draft regulation was passed by vote at a meeting of the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress. It is scheduled to become effective on June 1 next year.

According to the bill, smoking is also prohibited in open-air space in kindergartens, schools, child welfare institutions, women and children's hospitals, fitness and sports venues, and cultural relic protection sites that are open to the public.

Tobacco advertisements are not allowed to appear outdoors, in public places and transports, as well as in media including radio, TV, films, newspapers, books, and internet. All forms of tobacco promotions and title sponsorship are banned.

Teachers are forbidden from smoking in front of students in primary and secondary schools. Schools are also required to help students quit smoking and educate them about the harm of smoking.

The regulation also prohibits selling cigarettes to minors through vending machines and internet.Draft regulation's smoking ban praised

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