Editor's note: China's top authorities issued a notice in Dec 2013 prohibiting Party and government officials from smoking in public and set an example for everyone to follow. Experts said it is a milestone in the history of China's tobacco control and will promote a smoking ban in all public places, which still needs the test of time before the law is enacted. 

Officials banned from smoking in public

Chinese officials are asked to "take the lead" in adhering to the smoking ban in public spaces.

According to a circular from the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, officials are not allowed to smoke in schools, hospitals, sports venues, public transport vehicles, or any other venues where smoking is banned. 

National smoking ban law in preparation

China's health authorities are working on a law banning smoking in all indoor public venues while clarifying punishments.

Work on a draft began last year and the National Health and Family Planning Commission is working hard to have national lawmakers issue laws on smoking control with stronger powers than current regulations, the commission told a news conference in Beijing on Jan 7.

Local rules

Loopholes

Shanghai starts to enforce smoking ban

Guizhou gets tough on public smoking

The Guizhou provincial government imposed a smoking ban on Thursday. According to a government statement on Thursday, it will set up no-smoking spots in public areas.

Harbin enacts smoke-free law

A law making all indoor workplaces and public places in Harbin 100% smoke-free became effective on May 31, 2012. 

China failing to stamp out smoking

China has been doing a poor job of curbing smoking and protecting its people from the "silent killer", according to a latest report by an outspoken civil society committed to tobacco and smoking control.

TV smoking scenes undermine health efforts

According to a Chinese Association on Tobacco Control study this year of 70 popular movies and TV dramas, only nine TV shows and 11 movies did not show smoking.

Tobacco firms advertise in loophole

Chinese cigarette firms have been accused of dodging a ban on conventional advertising by finding new ways to market their products online.

These companies have established online smoking communities, posted tobacco-themed micro films, and even developed Internet games that incorporate cigarette branding. 

A History of Tobacco in China

China's anti-tobacco movement was first recorded in 1639, when Ming Dynasty (AD 1368－1644) Emperor Chongzhen issued a national ban that tobacco addicts be executed. In 1637, Qing Dynasty (AD 1644–1911) Emperor Kangxi widened the death penalty to those who possess tobacco. >>

China's Cigarette Culture

Chinese view offering cigarettes to strangers they are talking to as normal. It's a conversation lubricant between strangers. When you hang out with acquaintances, it is impolite if you start smoking without offering one to the others. It's all about cigarette etiquette. >> 

Heavy Smokers 

          ----Excepts from Private Life of Chairman Mao, a tell-all biography by Li Zhisui, Mao's personal physician.

"Deng took out a pack of Panda cigarettes and offered cigarettes to everyone, which immediately lightened the mood."

         ----Excepts from Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China by Ezra F. Vogel.

"When I was in my 30s, I was fond of smoking and drinking beer. I quit smoking because it was causing me to lose my voice at election campaigns. That was before medical research linked smoking to lung and throat cancer, among other things. Oddly enough, I later became hyper-allergic to smoke."

---Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore, said in an interview with Asia One.

Renzhiqiang: I have started trying to quit smoking myself. Go!

Meihaodeqishisan: We will support the smoking ban by excluding cigarettes as refreshment.

Luyueer: I regard smoking as irresponsible behavior, which affects not only people who smoke themselves, but also people around them. I do disdain them.

Cuiyanlong-qingfengmingyue: I think smoking in restaurants and smoking areas is tolerable. What I do hate is smoking in a place where there is an obvious “no smoking” sign, especially in the elevator.

Pinroichy: Bad manners like smoking will hurt your mind and your body. You get smelly when you smoke too often. Unfortunately there are still some people who think that's cool.

Dandandeyang: Strongly support smoking ban! Let's work together for our own environment!

Hongyanxiaobei: The number of smokers in public will decrease significantly if bosses take the lead. Hope we can finally avoid second-hand cigarettes.

Jiutiaochangxia: No smoking in all public places? Strongly against it.

Reqingdewangxiajie: My dad announced to the family that he will quit smoking in 2014. Wish him success!

suomalihaidao_5971: Why don't we just stop producing cigarettes and liquor?