Beijing bans smoking indoors in public venues
WHO applauds new law passed by the city's legislature, which takes effect in June
Beijing's legislature has passed a ban on smoking in all indoor public places and offices, a move that comes as the mainland weighs similar restrictions at the national level, state media reported.
It builds on an earlier ordinance enacted by the city government that banned smoking in open-air spaces at kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, women's and children's hospitals and sports venues.
The law also banned tobacco advertising outdoors and from magazines, radio, television, films, newspapers and books, Xinhua reported. Violators face fines of between 50 yuan (HK$63) and 200 yuan.
The mainland has more than 300 million smokers and another 740 million people are exposed to second-hand smoke every year. In Beijing alone, there are more than 4 million smokers, according to Xinhua.
The World Health Organisation said the rules paved the way for strict anti-smoking laws at the national level.