Chinese Government are planning to make a new No Smoking law come into effect on May 31.
The details of the new laws still remain vague, as lawmakers are still deciding on how exactly to broaden the ban on smoking to the city's hazy hotels, Internet cafes and restaurants. Draft for the law suggests that smoking will still be allowed in restaurants and other venues but restricted to well ventilated areas that are no bigger than 30% of the entire area of the restaurant. Other reports have claimed that the new law will only restrict smoking around the service counter of the restaurant.
Another aspect to the new regulations that is still under discussion is the fining of individuals as opposed to the authority responsible for each venue.
A spokesperson from the Legislative Affairs Office has announced that individuals will not be fined for smoking but that restaurant owners will be held accountable for smoking taking place on their premises and are liable for fines of between RMB 1000-5000.
We'll just have to wait and see what Beijing lawmakers finally agree on, however, one thing is for sure, smoking in and around Olympic venues and facilities is going to be strictly monitored.
This new smoking ban would affect at least 4 million smokers in Beijing and it will help to save a lot of money for the country.
Today there are about 2000 smoking-related deaths per day in China.
