Despite ban, smoking is rampant in Internet bars_美文

Despite ban, smoking is rampant in Internet bars

Shanghai is seeking more effective ways to prevent smoking in Internet bars and other entertainment venues, which are the least likely to comply with the ban on smoking in public places.

A report released by the health promotion committee under the Shanghai municipal health bureau at a news conference on March 1 showed that last year 66 establishments and five individuals were fined more than 157,000 yuan ($25,000) for violating the city's anti-smoking law.

Under the anti-smoking law, which took effect on March 1, 2010, public venues, including hospitals, schools, bars and restaurants, are required to establish designated non-smoking areas and put up signs prohibiting smoking.

People who ignore smoking bans are first warned by supervisors, and if they refuse to stop smoking, are fined 50 to 200 yuan.

The report said Internet bars were the worst places for complying with the law, followed by entertainment venues and restaurants.

Li Zhongyang, deputy director of the municipal health promotion committee and deputy inspector of the municipal health bureau, said several reasons are to blame.

"Employees there lack systematic education and training. They know less about the harm of smoking and passive smoking," she said.

"Some Internet bar operators choose to turn a blind eye to the smoking because they worry they would hurt their business if they prevented smoking," she added.