More than a third of the world’s cigarettes are smoked in China. But strict new legislation may encourage many to reconsider lighting up. Following in the footsteps of western countries, China has implemented a nationwide smoking ban to make people butt-out in public places. The ban, in effect since May 1, has forced many of the more than 300 million Chinese smokers to take their habit outside. Those looking to get their nicotine fix will not be able to get it in public areas, such as bars, restaurants, hotels, museums, airports and train stations. However, having a puff at work is still permitted by law. It took Chinese lawmakers nearly five years after signing an agreement with the World Health Organization to impose regulations. Although the new rules are seen as a step in the right direction concerning the health of both smokers and especially non-smokers, the consensus among the Chinese is that little will change. Without clearly stated penalties for smoking in public, the ban is currently seen only as way of discouraging people from taking up the habit. China’s reliance on cigarette revenues will also make the ban difficult to enforce. Although up to 3,000 people in China die each day from the effects of smoking, the taxes generated by cigarette sales account for 8 percent of China’s revenue.
Travelers should try the patch
Even though China’s penalties for smoking indoors are vague, travelers should follow the ban just as they were at home in the U.S. And if smoking is a must, heading outside for some fresh air is never a bad idea.
