Beijing smokers face tough new limits on lighting up

A Chinese actor holds up his hand in a "No Smoking" gesture on World No Tobacco Day in Beijing. Photo / AP

Beijing will ban smoking in restaurants, offices and on public transport from today, part of unprecedented curbs welcomed by anti-tobacco advocates - though how they will be enforced remains to be seen.

Health activists have long pushed for stronger restrictions on smoking in China, the world's largest tobacco consumer, which is considering nationwide curbs.

People violating the ban, which includes smoking near schools and hospitals, must pay 200 yuan ($45.35). The current fine, seldom enforced, is just 10 yuan.

Anyone who breaks the law three times will be named and shamed on a government website. Businesses can be fined 10,000 yuan for failing to stop smoking on their premises.

Cigarette sales will be banned within 100m of primary schools and kindergartens.

Smoking is a major health crisis in China, where more than 300 million smokers have made cigarettes part of the social fabric, and millions more are exposed to secondhand smoke. Most Chinese smokers buy cigarettes at less than five yuan ($1) a pack.

Laws were passed last month banning tobacco advertisements in mass media, public places, on public transport and outdoors.