Wuhan smoking ban extended to cover more public spaces

The Regulation on Smoking Control in Wuhan, which was passed by the Wuhan People's Congress on Tuesday, extends the ban on smoking to all indoor public spaces, workplaces and public transportation vehicles.

Smokers who do not adhere to the regulation will be fined up to 500 yuan ($72.60).

The regulation also bans smoking in some outdoor public areas, including areas around educational and medical organizations that mainly serve children and pregnant women, and the areas of stadiums and performance stages, as well as the cultural relics preservation areas that are open to the public.

Tobacco products will not be sold to those younger than 18 years old. If it's hard to decide whether the buyers are adults, sellers shall ask for official identification. Those who fail to show the identify certificates can't buy tobacco products, according to the regulation.

The regulation also states at the areas where smoking is allowed, smokers will avoid those who don't smoke. Smokers will neither smoke when in line nor in crowded areas. Smokers are not allowed to tap cigarette ashes on the ground or create litter with cigarette butts.