Shanghai to introduce smoking bans

Shanghai legislators are working to implement a ban on smoking in the city by the end of the year, the South China Morning Post reported. New regulations, which have incorporated feedback from a rare public consultation process, would see total bans on smoking in hospitals, schools, internet cafes, large restaurants, cinemas, museums, banks and airports. The bans on smoking in schools would extend to entire campuses, not just indoor areas. Under the legislation, Shanghai’s Health Promotion Commission would be responsible for enforcement of the ban and the issuing of fines of RMB50 to RMB200 (US$7 to US$29). Intended as part of Shanghai’s preparations for the 2010 World Expo, the ban would be the first such regulation in mainland China.