When NLGX Design & Cafe opened its doors on March 1, 2008, we became the first completely smoke-free venue on Nanluoguxiang. According to recent news, it looks like we will have company by May!
After several months of rumors, the Beijing municipal government has announced that smoking will be banned in various public places, including restaurants, cafes, bars, hallways, elevators, and stadiums in an effort to promote a “smokeless Olympics”. Fines for those caught red handed, though, would only be RMB 50 for the smoker; to promote enforcement, the venue would be fined up to RMB 5000.
This follows the ban on smoking in Beijing taxis back in September 2007. While the ban on smoking in taxis has largely been successful, I highly doubt the new regulations will be as effective in restaurants, cafes, and bars. Even so, it’s a good try by the Beijing municipal government to adopt a no smoking policy for their “Green Olympics”.
According to government statistics, China is home to 350 million smokers, which is approximately one-third of all smokers worldwide. Get ready to see more cigarette butts on the sidewalks around Beijing!
