Shanghai may become China's first city to ban smoking in public places

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Shanghai may become one of the first Chinese cities to ban smoking in public places. A smoking ban is supposed to be implemented in the city by the end of the year. How strict it will be, depends on city lawmakers who are set to discuss a draft that outlines several options which could be adopted.

The draft includes four types of smoking bans: The most strict bans smoking both indoors and outdoors in kindergartens, schools and hospitals and public transportation waiting areas. Venues such as restaurants, gyms, and work places would be required to set up designated smoking areas. While owners of other public venues would be required to adopt their own smoking bans.

Officials say more discussions are needed on how to divide space in restaurants and hotels.

Qu Jun, Shanghai People's Congrass, said, "Setting up smoking areas in big restaurants won't be a problem. But we need more detailed measures for those smaller ones."

The draft also emphasizes the need for enforcement...saying the law should specially protect pregnant women and children.