Shenzhen is considering a ban on electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, in public places to further regulate smoking and tobacco use in the city, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported yesterday.
A revised draft of the city’s tobacco control regulations has been published on the website of the Standing Committee of the Municipal People’s Congress for public opinions.
Having been implemented for more than four years, Shenzhen’s tobacco control regulations have achieved good results, with fewer people smoking in public places, the report said. However, an increasing number of teenagers are found using e-cigarettes, according to Shenzhen Tobacco Control Association.
An e-cigarette is a handheld electronic device that simulates the experience of smoking a cigarette. According to the World Health Organization, e-cigarettes also contain harmful compounds such as nicotine and formaldehyde, which are harmful to public health.
Many countries and regions around the world have introduced restrictions on electronic cigarettes. In January this year, Hangzhou City in Zhejiang Pro-vince implemented new tobacco control regulations and said no to e-cigarettes.
Shenzhen’s revised draft also expands the scope of nonsmoking areas, which will include outdoor platforms and waiting areas for public transport such as public buses, long-distance buses, taxis, Metros, ships and civil aircraft.
Meanwhile, smoking is prohibited within 5 meters outside the entrance and exit of Metro stations.
Moreover, the revised draft specifically stipulates that tobacco products shall not be sold within a radius of 100 meters around kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, children’s palaces and children’s activity centers, or else a fine of 30,000 yuan (US$4,420) shall be imposed on violators.
The revised draft also specifies that law enforcement officers can impose a fine of 50 yuan on a smoker if the latter is found smoking in nonsmoking areas. Those who refuse to obey or hinder law enforcement shall be fined 200 yuan or 500 yuan, respectively.