Seriously! Zhuhai, Guangdong plans to issue the most stringent regulations on smoking control, banning smoking (including e-cigarettes) in public places

Seriously! Zhuhai, Guangdong plans to issue the most stringent regulations on smoking control, banning smoking (including e-cigarettes) in public places

 

On April 12, the Zhuhai Municipal Health Bureau issued the "Regulations on Smoking Control in Public Places in Zhuhai Special Economic Zone (Draft for Comment)" to solicit public opinions. Smoking is proposed to be banned in indoor public places and 10 types of outdoor public places, and e-cigarettes are also not allowed! Violators can be fined up to 500 yuan.

 

Extensive solicitation of opinions and more than 20 revisions

 

Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 toxic substances and 69 carcinogens. The World Health Organization has confirmed that tobacco is the second leading cause of human death. Effective smoking control can significantly reduce the incidence of malignant tumors, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, obstructive pulmonary diseases, peptic ulcers, etc., and is an effective way to improve the health of the people.

 

According to reports, the Municipal Health Bureau has always taken tobacco control work as an important part of building a harmonious society, building a modern and international special economic zone, creating a national civilized city and a healthy city, and consolidating a national sanitary city. In the process of drafting the regulations, the opinions and suggestions of various medical and health units, member units of the Municipal Patriotic Sanitation Association, various district Patriotic Sanitation Associations, and relevant units were solicited. Many symposiums were held by the Federation of Industry and Trade Circulation Enterprises.

 

At the same time, the "Online Questionnaire for Tobacco Control Legislation in 2023" was distributed through the Healthy Zhuhai WeChat public account, and permanent residents aged 15-60 were randomly selected to conduct a questionnaire survey on smoking and second-hand smoke exposure. in accordance with. On this basis, after more than 20 revisions, it was publicly solicited for comments.

 

Total ban on smoking in public places

 

The draft for comments clarifies that "smoking refers to the use of electronic cigarettes, possession of ignited or heat-not-burn tobacco products", thus bringing electronic cigarettes into the scope of prohibition. The draft for comments stipulates that smoking is prohibited in places that the public can enter or use for work, including public places, workplaces, and public transportation. Among them, smoking is prohibited in indoor areas of public places.

 

In addition, "the outdoor areas of institutions and places that mainly provide education, teaching, training, and activity services for minors" "other outdoor areas of non-smoking spots in medical and health institutions, cultural and museum units, parks, tourist attractions and other places" "seaside beaches Smoking is prohibited in 10 types of outdoor public places such as "Smoking Beach, Bathing Beach, Greenways and Sidewalks along Lover's Road".

 

Individual violations can be fined up to 500 yuan

 

According to the draft for comments, if an individual violates the regulations and smokes in a place where smoking is prohibited, the relevant department will order it to make corrections in accordance with its duties and may impose a fine of 50 yuan; A fine of five hundred yuan shall be imposed.

 

At the same time, it clarifies the tobacco control obligations of operators and managers of non-smoking places, and also stipulates corresponding obligations for smokers and tobacco product operators. It also gives the public the right to supervise and complain and report, covering various social entities. If the operators and managers of smoking-free places fail to fulfill the prescribed obligations, the relevant departments shall order them to make corrections within a time limit according to their duties.

 

Citizens can exercise three kinds of tobacco control rights

 

According to the draft for comments, if citizens find violations of the "Regulations on Smoking Control in Public Places of Zhuhai Special Economic Zone", anyone can exercise the following rights: (1) ask smokers to stop smoking immediately; Or the manager complains and requires the operator or manager of the place to persuade the smoker to stop smoking; (3) Complain to the relevant administrative department.