As we previously reported, 13 restaurant chains in Beijing have already been warned for not enforcing the capital’s smoking ban. But they’re not the only ones paying the price for breaking the rules.
Since the law went into effect 18 months ago, the city has already collected RMB2 million (USD290,000) in fines, Beijing News reports. As of November 30, 663 businesses and 2,719 people had been slapped with fines for not following the rules.
As of June 2015, smoking is no longer allowed in indoor public areas and offices in Beijing. Individuals who break the law can be fined up to RMB200. Owners of businesses who allow patrons to smoke inside, however, face far more hefty fines, in some cases up to RMB10,000.
Unsurprisingly more people tend to smoke inside during winter months. In an effort to discourage indoor smokers, authorities are currently installing smoke detectors and surveillance cameras inside many of the city’s restaurants, bars and offices.
READ MORE: China to Issue Nationwide Public Smoking Ban
Efforts are also being made to encourage smokers to quit and seek help at one of the capital’s many clinics.
As of 2015, there were 4.19 million smokers in Beijing – that's nearly one quarter of the population, China Today reports.
[Image via China Today]
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