Shenzhen launches nation's first local standard for smoke-free venue construction

Metro station entrances, bus stops, parks serving vulnerable groups, and outdoor sports arenas in Shenzhen have been officially recognized as smoke-free venues, according to the newly issued Shenzhen local standard for smoke-free venue construction.

First of its kind in China, the implementation of Shenzhen’s local standard marks a milestone in China’s smoke-free environment governance, establishing a comprehensive framework to emcompass all scenarios and procedures for managing smoke-free environments.

A no smoking sign outside an entrance of the Shenzhen airport. Photo from Dute News

It designates all indoor workplaces, indoor public places, and public transport vehicles as smoke-free venues. Moreover, specific outdoor areas are incorporated into the standard’s scope, including school outdoor zones and outdoor teaching areas at training institutions; outdoor areas of parks, child-friendly bases, and social welfare organizations primarily serving pregnant women and children; outdoor spectator seats and competition areas at sports venues and fitness facilities; an area within 5 meters of pedestrian entrances and exits of public transportation stations; and outdoor waiting zones and platforms for public transport vehicles.

The standard clarifies that all staff working within smoke-free venues bear the responsibility and obligation to discourage illegal smoking, with particular emphasis on roles directly interacting with the public such as service desks, front desks, conference services, property management, and security personnel, who are identified as key enforcers.

A no smoking sign is painted on the ground outside the entrance of a kindergarden in Futian. Photo from Dute News

Since March 1, 2014, Shenzhen has enforced the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Smoking Control Ordinance, banning smoking across all indoor public venues, workplaces, and public transport vehicles. In 2019, the smoking ban was extended to bus stops and Metro station entrances. By 2024, the city’s smoking rate among residents aged 15 and above had fallen to 17.4%, significantly below the national average, positioning Shenzhen as one of China’s cities with the cleanest air free of tobacco smoke.