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Chinese officials are being asked to set an example to the rest of society and abide by a 2011 policy that bans smoking in public places.
The new policy was contained in a circular posted by both the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council, which prohibits officials from lighting up in schools, sports venues, public transport vehicles, hospitals and “any other area where smoking has been banned.” The circular points out that the continued practice of officials of smoking in public places “has a negative influence” on society and “tarnishes the image of the Party, government offices and leaders.”
In 2011, the Chinese Ministry of Health published guidelines banning smoking in a variety of public places. However, the guidelines have been largely ignored. In addition, the circular forbids officials from smoking or “offering cigarettes” when performing their official duties and prohibits officials from using “public funds” to purchase cigarettes.
While the focus of the new policy seems to be on individual officials, it also moves to regulate the government workplace by banning the sale of tobacco products and ads in Party and government offices. Furthermore, Party and government buildings must now prominently display “smoking ban notices” in all meeting rooms, reception areas, passageways, restrooms and cafeterias.
The catalyst for the new rule seems to be the Party and the government’s decision to improve the health of the nation by lowering the number of citizens who smoke. With over 300 million smokers, China is the largest producer and consumer of cigarettes in the world and, according to the circular, smoking in public places “jeopardizes the environment and public health.”
Indeed, in China nearly 741 million people are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke. Over a decade ago, China signed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) which requires a decrease in the supply and consumption of tobacco. To date, China's efforts at reduction are far below FCTC standards.
