This Pearl River Delta city is set to become the first on the
mainland to introduce a total ban on smoking in restaurants, an
official has said.
The Zhongshan legal affairs bureau is expected to issue its
"Regulations on Banning Smoking in the Restaurants of Zhongshan"
later this year, Peng Zhenyu, an official with the bureau, said
yesterday.
He declined to give an exact date, however, saying the bureau is
still seeking input from the public and experts.
In a bid to increase the effectiveness of the ban, the
regulations will also urge the public to report those who light up
in restaurants to the relevant authorities, Peng said.
A special task force comprising government officials and members
of the public will also be set up to patrol the city's major
restaurants to ensure the ban is being enforced.
Currently, none of the restaurants in Zhongshan has completely
banned smoking.
"The smoking ban is expected to improve the city's image and
create a better atmosphere for everyone in it," Peng said.
Lin Lifang, a white-collar worker in the city, said the ban is
good news for non-smokers.
She said she goes to restaurants every week and is glad she will
soon be able to eat without being affected by the smoke.
While Zhongshan looks set to become the first mainland city to
impose the smoking ban, Hong Kong issued a ruling last year that
banned smoking in all restaurants in the special administrative
region.
(China Daily September 11, 2007)