From the Chinese Press

A welcome move against smoking

To make the ban on smoking in public places effective, the country's top authorities have issued a notice prohibiting Party and government officials at all levels from smoking in public and set an example for everyone to follow, which is a welcome move, says an article in Beijing Times. Excerpts:

Issued by the general offices of the State Council and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the notice says Party members and government officials should not smoke in public places such as schools, hospitals and any other no-smoking areas. They should not smoke at official programs either. The notice also places officials under public supervision.