If Caught Smoking on the Street, Fine of 40,000 Won... China Launches Intensive Crackdown on Secondhand Smoke

Eight Landmarks Popular with Tourists Targeted for Enforcement
Volunteers Deployed on Streets to Strengthen Smoking Control

Image of citizens in Shanghai, China, unrelated to the article content. Pexels

Shanghai, China has stepped up enforcement against secondhand smoke at eight landmarks frequented by foreigners and tourists.

On the 28th, Chinese media outlets including CCTV, Shangguan News, and Global Times reported that since mid-March, Shanghai has intensified smoking control measures at eight key landmarks such as The Bund (Waitan), Wukang Road, and Yu Garden (Yuyuan) to promote these areas.

According to the reports, Shanghai recently posted 'No Smoking' signs in workplaces and deployed volunteers on the streets to strengthen smoking enforcement. Volunteers monitor the streets and guide people to smoke only in designated areas.

CCTV reports that Shanghai has strengthened smoking regulations at eight landmark locations. CCTV

According to Shanghai's Public Place Smoking Control Regulations, smoking in places where many people gather?such as kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, hospitals, stadiums, performance venues, and bus stops?can result in a fine of up to 200 yuan (approximately 40,000 KRW) if caught.

Last year, Shanghai conducted a survey on outdoor secondhand smoke exposure. The survey found that about 60% of approximately 10,000 respondents frequently encountered cigarette smoke while walking and expressed discomfort. About 90% showed aversion to cigarette smoke. Participants expressed concerns that secondhand smoke not only affects health but may also create a negative impression for visitors, according to Global Times.

CCTV reports that Shanghai has strengthened smoking regulations at eight landmark locations. CCTV

Zhang Yuan, former director of the Tobacco Control Office at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cited Hong Kong and Macau as examples and emphasized the need to build consensus on smoking bans. In Hong Kong, smoking in elevators, schools, parks, beaches, and bus stops carries a fine of 1,500 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 283,000 KRW). In Macau, smoking is prohibited within 10 meters of bus stops and taxi stands where many people gather. The maximum fine for smoking in public places is 1,500 patacas (approximately 270,000 KRW), and discarding cigarette butts on the ground can result in a fine of up to 600 patacas (approximately 11,000 KRW).