BEIJING: Advocates for a tobacco-free environment in urban streets and outdoor spaces may breathe a sigh of relief as a growing number of cities are now exploring effective ways to restrict outdoor smoking amid China’s persistent push for tobacco control.
In mid-March, Shanghai kicked off a groundbreaking campaign to restrict outdoor smoking in eight of its busiest landmarks and tourist destinations, including the Bund, Wukang Road and the pedestrian zone of Nanjing Road.
The citywide initiative combines strict enforcement of existing smoke-free zone regulations with flexible governance tools — ranging from innovative public awareness events to volunteer patrols to dissuade smokers and the creation of designated smoking areas.
In tandem with the municipal efforts, Shanghai Disneyland Resort, a popular attraction for domestic and international visitors, also announced plans to reduce its smoking zones and expand tobacco-free areas.
This month, a “No Smoking More Health” event, featuring tobacco control exhibitions, games and sports, was held in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. According to its organizer, the publicity event was also a pep rally for the city’s initiative to guarantee smoke-free sports events to be held during the 15th National Games later this year.
The two cities’ efforts epitomize the latest developments of China toward its goal to build a healthier country with less nicotine. As outlined in the Healthy China Initiative, the nation aims to reduce the smoking rate among people age 15 and above to 20 percent and expand the coverage of anti-smoking statutes to 80 percent of its population by 2030. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
