Shanghai takes action against 'walking smoke'

"Walking smoke" refers to the secondhand smoke generated when people walk while smoking. This poses health risks and affects public spaces, yet enforcement is challenging outdoors.

In mid-March, Shanghai launched an initiative to curb "walking smoke" at eight popular tourist sites, including the Bund, Nanjing Road and Xintiandi.

A 2024 survey of 10,000 respondents found that nearly 60 percent frequently encountered "walking smoke," with 90 percent expressing strong disapproval. While Shanghai's smoking rate has dropped from nearly 27 percent in 2010 to 19.2 percent today, secondhand smoke exposure remains significant, especially in public spaces.

To address this, Shanghai is implementing smoke-free zones with advocacy and enforcement measures.

At key locations, volunteers remind smokers to comply, and businesses display no-smoking signs. The initiative is backed by local authorities and health agencies, with regular awareness campaigns.

Since September 2024, Shanghai has set standards for outdoor smoking areas, prohibiting them in crowded locations and requiring them to be at least six meters from building entrances.

These areas cannot exceed six square meters and must lack seating or vending machines to discourage prolonged smoking.

Currently, enforcement focuses on public awareness, but Shanghai's smoking control regulations allow fines up to 200 yuan for individuals and 30,000 yuan for businesses violating smoking bans.

Public complaints can be filed via the 12345 hotline. If smoking occurs in areas where minors gather, it may also be punishable under child protection laws.

Other cities are also tightening controls. In Beijing, smoking is prohibited in queues, with fines up to 200 yuan. Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions impose strict bans near public elevators, bus stops and beaches, with fines up to 1,500 Hong Kong dollars and 1,500 Macao patacas, respectively.

China's "Healthy China 2030" plan aims to strengthen tobacco control through pricing, taxation and legislation, calling for clearer responsibilities in enforcement.

(Cover: A view of Shanghai, China. /VCG)