Shanghai's new smoking ban takes effect

A new regulation prohibiting smoking at all indoor public venues and work areas in Shanghai took effect on Wednesday, a measure expected to shield people from the health risks of secondhand smoke.

The ban was approved by the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress, the city's legislative body, in November. It extended the smoking ban to artistic performance and sports venues, open areas at maternity and infant hospitals, and bus stops.

Under the regulation, individuals caught smoking in prohibited areas will be fined from 50 to 200 yuan ($7.35 to $29.40) and organizations that violate the regulation or fail to stop smoking will be fined 2,000 to 30,000 yuan.