The government of Shanghai is expected to ban smoking indoors in all public spaces and workplaces sometime this year, according to an official on Tuesday, as reported by Shanghai Daily.
"We have been pushing for a complete smoking ban for many years," said Li Zhongyang, the Shanghai Health Enhance Commission's vice director.
"Surveys conducted last year found that 94 percent of residents support a complete ban, and the smoking rate in public areas dropped to 13 percent last year from 38 percent before the execution of the current law," said Li during a press conference in the city.
Currently, the law lists 13 types of public spaces wherein there is a total ban on smoking in place. These spaces include schools, kindergartens and children's hospitals.
"In the past, local authorities have issued fines totaling 1.9 million yuan ($290,000) to 971 venues and 482 individuals for violating the laws on smoking," said Li.
Li added that 201 facilities and 148 individuals were fined around 380,000 yuan last year.
The smoking ban seems to have been effective, as Li claims that fewer people are now smoking in places like Internet cafes, entertainment venues and restaurants.
The commission has spoken to different government departments regarding the process of administering a total ban on smoking, according to Li. However, he did not give any indication as to the exact date when a smoking ban might be introduced or how it might be applied.
"We visited airports and railway stations last year to discuss how to remove smoking rooms once the amended law is enacted," said Li.
Between the day of the press conference and March 13, a series of "anti-smoking events" will be launched in Shanghai to mark the sixth anniversary of the anti-smoking law of the city, said Li. The events also aim to raise public awareness about the cause.