A latest regulation has been issued by the Ministry of Health, which states that smoking will be banned at all enclosed public locations including hotels, restaurants, theaters and waiting rooms at railway stations and airports from May 1.

Suggesting business owners to set up conspicuous non-smoking signs, the new regulation wants them to carry out promotional activities to warn people of the negative implications of smoking.

Being doubtful about whether China was taking the issue seriously, one smoker in Shanghai said that this policy would not make much of the difference, particularly in small cities in the countryside, where smoking is more part of the culture.

Another crucial point in the regulation suggests that outdoor smoking areas should not obstruct pedestrian walkways and that cigarette vending machines should be excluded from public places.

Yang Gonghuan, Director of China's National Office of Tobacco Control, said, “The regulation gives business owners a clear view of their responsibilities in relation to the smoking ban. It is realistic to demand a bigger role for these business owners in dissuading smokers”.

Despite of a stern new regulation, no specific punishments have been mentioned for people who continue to break these rules and smoke at public places.