A smoking ban can be achieved only by considering the real conditions of our society and economy, says an article in the Oriental Morning Post. The following is an excerpt:

Recently, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television said it would require censors at various levels to reduce the use of smoking scenes in films and television.

A survey conducted last week showed that 70.7 percent of 2,421 respondents supported a smoking ban in public areas.

From a legal aspect, China has already adopted a smoking ban in public areas. For example, the Law on the Protection of Minors stipulates nobody is allowed to smoke indoors of primary and secondary schools, kindergartens and nurseries.

As for local regulations on smoking bans in public areas, they are countless. But the regulations have failed to be effectively carried out.

In China, the tobacco industry holds a key position in the nation's economic growth and financial income. It has maintained the lives of millions of tobacco farmers and also provides a great number of jobs for the society in the production and distribution of cigarettes.

However, it has also brought serious damage to the society and this is equal to the benefits it has brought.

Tobacco in some regions is the pivotal industry. A ban on smoking can only be achieved by re-adjusting the industrial infrastructure.

(China Daily 10/18/2007 page9)