China's Hangzhou City bans e-cigarettes in public

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A revised and upgraded anti-smoking legislation has been implemented in Hangzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, one of the earliest cities in the country to carry out tobacco control, imposing a ban on smoking e-cigarettes in public starting January 1, 2019.

Electronic cigarettes will now be formally regulated as tobacco product in Hangzhou, according to the latest smoking control. Those who violate the ban will face a fine of up to 20,000 yuan (about 2,907 U.S. dollars).

In many other Chinese cities e-cigarettes are not regulated as tobacco product. /VCG Photo

The latest smoking law also defines other terms, including a tightened ban on smoking in specified indoor and outdoor premises, and a buffer period for various entertainment facilities to fully implement the ban and set up smoking rooms until December 31, 2021.

In Hangzhou, it's now strictly prohibited to smoke in public transport and other public places including workplaces according to the legislation.

It also bans smoking outside kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, educational and training institutions, nurseries, children's hospitals, gyms and sports venues.

Travelers who smoke on bullet trains could be banned from train travel for 180 days, according to the new guidelines issued by the Chinese government. /VCG Photo

Compared to most cities in China, Hangzhou's anti-smoking measures have been at the forefront, according to Xinhua.

The latest legislation not only takes into account e-cigarettes and upgrades control on smoking in both indoor and outdoor public spaces, but also addresses recreational venues like bars and restaurants where smoking control enforcement is often let off the hook.