Updated 31st May 2006
Smoking is prohibited in many public places, and in some workplaces (usually because of fire hazard). Since 1949, smoking has been prohibited on public transport vehicles in all big cities. Smoking is also prohibited in subways, and in 1986, no-smoking sections were introduced on trains. All flights have been smoke-free since 1995. Smoking is prohibited on Ministry of Public Health premises, and is restricted in hospitals and health facilities. In 1994, Shanghai declared virtually all indoor public places smoke-free, and as of October 1995, Beijing prohibited smoking in major public places too.
In Hong Kong, smoking is prohibited in cinemas, shopping malls, supermarkets, banks and department stores. In October 2004, plans were announced to extend this law. In May 2005, the Hong Kong Government published a bill extending existing smoke-free laws to nearly all public indoor areas, including restaurants, bars and workplaces. The bill, which also includes restrictions on tobacco advertising and promotion, will also prohibit smoking in schools, karaoke bars, mahjong and massage parlours, commercial bath-houses and nursing homes. Smoking at home, in hotel rooms, and in smoking areas of airports will be exempt from the revised law, which gives affected premises a three-month grace period. It is thought that the amended regulations will take effect from August 2006 at the latest.
The health department of Chinese government has recently announced that smoking will be prohibited on public transport and indoor workplaces during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
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