Shanghai banning smoking from all indoor areas by 2011

Sorry, Shanghai smokers! The ban on smoking in public venues has now been extended to all indoor workplaces in an attempt to clear the city's air of cigarette smoke by 2011. By indoor workplaces, they mean "all places with ceilings and at least three walls." So basically... everywhere.

Those hoping that all this means is a small partition between smoking and non-smoking zones are out of luck. The municipal health bureau specified that all areas will be completely and totally smoke-free in order to minimize second-hand smoke.

It'll probably take a few years and numerous fines before anyone takes this to heart, but Shanghai seems serious about becoming smoke free before the World Expo. Better start getting out of the habit now!

Source: Xinhua