Fuzhou to ban smoking in public places

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2015-06-16

Starting on Aug 1, a severe smoking ban will be imposed at public locations in Fuzhou, capital of East China’s Fujian province, Xinhua News Agency reports.

The ban, passed by the municipal People’ Congress, stipulates 12 types of public places subject to the prohibition, including some medical institutions, social welfare institutions, theaters, musical halls, libraries and other cultural venues; schools and recreational centers for young people.

Stores, supermarkets, wholesale markets, farm markets, internet cafes and indoor areas of some enterprises are also on the list.

Smoking is also a No on public transportation vehicles, such as buses, subways, taxis and passenger ferries.

Some public locations are allowed to open a smoking zone, such as restaurants larger than 150 square meters with at least 75 seats, entertainment venues and waiting halls for public transportation.

Individual violators of the smoking ban will face fines ranging from 20 to 500 yuan ($3 to $80). The penalty is much heavier – from 2,00 to 10,000 yuan - for managers who overlook the policy.