Beijing to raise maximum fine for smoking to 200 yuan

The reporter learned on May 17 during a simulated court activity hosted by Beijing Smoking & Health Association that the city is expected to amend its provisions banning smoking in public places, and will appropriately raise the maximum fine for individuals caught smoking illegally in public places. Drafters of the proposed regulation amendment intend to raise the upper limit of fines from the current amount of 10 yuan to somewhere between 50 and 200 yuan.

Regarding passive smoking, victims can take legal action

Students in the Health Law School at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine held a simulated court in Beijing on May 17 and heard a case brought by plaintiff Liu Xia in connection with her long-term exposure to second hand smoke in the office. The move was aimed at letting more city residents master legal knowledge related to smoking control and giving support to victims of passive smoking who should use the law to protect their legitimate health interests.

In accordance with the provisions banning smoking in public places currently in force in Beijing, as well as various provisions regarding the areas banning smoking in public places which were released and implemented in 2008, Beijing will give the authority to ban smoking to administrative personnel in government agencies, enterprises, public institutions, and other organizations like schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, dancing halls, banks, shops, security firms and office buildings. It has been required that a system of rules and regulations on smoking prohibition be set up, with signs hung in indoor work places of organizations such as government agencies, enterprises and public institutions, including offices and meeting rooms.

Professor Cui Xiaobo, member of the panel of experts concerning national legislation on controlling smoking in public places, and a legislative participant of the provisions banning smoking in public places, stated that according to the aforementioned regulations, any city resident who is exposed to second hand smoke can bring a legal action against illegal smokers. The legitimate interests of city residents will be protected by the law.

Regarding increasing the maximum fine limit, it wins support from 70 percent of those surveyed

At present, according to the relevant laws and regulations of the city, individuals caught smoking illegally in public places will be fined 10 yuan, a penalty which, being so small, is not sufficient for punishment and discipline. The Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People’s Congress has included into its legislative plan to amend the provisions banning smoking in public places.