Shenzhen implements new tobacco control regulations on October 1

In 2018, Shenzhen has begun to include electronic cigarettes in tobacco control. On 26th, the 34th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Sixth National People's Congress of Shenzhen passed the revised Regulations on Controlling Smoking in Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (hereinafter referred to as the new version of the Tobacco Control Regulations). ), the regulations will come into force on October 1.

The new version of the Tobacco Control Regulations has increased the area of tobacco control, officially included vapes in the scope of tobacco control, and clarified penalties.

First, bus stops and subway stations are included in the no-smoking area.

In the scope of the smoking ban, the new version of the Tobacco Control Regulations has increased the scope of smoking bans, increasing the original 7 categories of outdoor smoking bans to 9 categories.

Within 5 meters of the pedestrian exit of the public transportation station building and the area where the public transportation outdoor platform and waiting team are located;

Schools, medical and health institutions, parks, tourist attractions, stadiums and other places are waiting areas for pedestrians outside the entrance and exit and outdoor ticket purchasing areas.

This also means that buses, coaches, taxis, subways, ships, civil aircraft and other public transport outdoor platforms and waiting areas will be completely banned.

In addition, the new version of the Tobacco Control Regulations also requires that “small and medium-sized schools and youth palaces must not sell tobacco products within 50 meters of the entrance and exit distance.”

Second, the most important thing is that vapes are formally included in the scope of tobacco control.

According to the Shenzhen Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Center, in the past five years in Shenzhen, the number of smokers has decreased by more than 50%, and those who quit smoking are close to 20%.

Although the number of people who quit smoking has increased, the number of people using vapes has increased. Related research shows that vapes also contain harmful compounds such as nicotine, which is harmful to human health. Therefore, Shenzhen officially included vapes in tobacco control.

At present, 42 countries and regions around the world have banned or restricted the use of electronic cigarettes in public places, including Hong Kong, Macau, Hangzhou, and Nanning.

Third, smoking violation penalties

Article 39 Anyone who violates the provisions of these Regulations and smokes in a no-smoking place and does not listen to the operators or managers of the place shall be ordered by the health administrative department and the relevant departments as stipulated in Article 35 of these Regulations to make corrections according to the scope of duties. A fine of 50 yuan shall be imposed and collected on the spot; if the person refuses to make corrections, a fine of 200 yuan shall be imposed; if there is any obstacle to law enforcement, a fine of 500 yuan shall be imposed.

Where a minor has the circumstances prescribed in the preceding paragraph, the relevant administrative department and the relevant department as stipulated in Article 35 of these Regulations shall, in accordance with the scope of their duties, be instructed to educate and order correction.