The toughest anti-smoking laws in China took effect in Beijing on Monday, with steep fees being imposed and a hotline to report offenders. However, there is much public concern about weak enforcement of the indoor smoking ban.
The new smoking legislation in China makes it illegal to smoke in places such as offices, restaurants, and hospitals. Beijing's main airport terminal will shut down its three smoking rooms, according to Irish Independent. Venues that break the ban will be subject to big fines up to 100 yuan ($1,600).
Businesses that break the law repeatedly could have their licenses revoked. Meanwhile, individuals who light up in prohibited zones could receive maximum fines of 200 yuan ($32).
The new legislation also includes an outdoor smoking ban in open-air locations. They include public places such as schools and sports venues.
The government has launched a public awareness campaign that included the law's details plastered on posters throughout China's capital. However, many Beijing residents doubt that city officials will effectively implement the ban.
Zhang Jianshu, president of the Beijing Tobacco Control Association, told the China Daily newspaper that business owners' enforcement of the ban is critical. However, one state newspaper argues that the law is unclear about who is responsible in the end, according to Daily Mail.
Health commission inspectors have some helpful tools. They will enforce the smoking law by conducting spot-checks and following up on tip-offs.
Local businesses such as restaurants claim that they want to follow Beijing's rules and regulations. However, many were unaware of the indoor smoking ban.
The new Beijing anti-smoking law is not the first one in China. Nationwide legislation was passed in 2011. However, it lacked financial penalties.
Several factors related to the sale of tobacco products could impact the new smoking laws. Packs of smokes often cost less than 5 yuan ($.80), and no health warnings are printed on cigarette packaging.
Other governmental factors could make enforcement of the no smoking laws difficult. Law enforcers often accept bribes, and China's state-run tobacco industry nearly has a monopoly in the nation. It paid the government 911 billion yuan ($146.9 billion) in taxes and profits last year.