People who light up in non-smoking areas in Guangzhou may soon be slapped with a fine without warning.

The current law in the Guangdong provincial capital requires enforcement officers to provide a warning before fining someone 50 yuan ($8) for smoking in indoor workplaces and other public areas.

So far this year, officers in the city have received more than 1,200 complaints about smoking in public places, with 84 percent occurring in restaurants and entertainment venues such as nightclubs and karaoke bars.

But only one smoker has been fined so far this year, according to enforcement officials.

Guangzhou People's Congress is now seeking public opinions for a draft amendment that would drop the requirement for a warning before a fine. The public can visit the legislature's website to see the full text of the draft and e-mail, fax or write to the legislature to air their opinions before May 15.

After hearing from the public, the legislature will update the draft and put it to a vote at next month's legislative session.

An official from the Guangzhou urban management commission, who would not be named as he is not allowed to receive media interviews without official authorization, admitted that the bureau lacks manpower to enforce the regulation.

"And law enforcers usually find it difficult to collect evidences to fine the smokers," the official said on Thursday.

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