How has the Shanghai smoking ban, which was announced with much aplomb back in March, been faring? In the months since, just one place has been punished for violating the tobacco control law - an internet cafe in Baoshan District that was just issued a 2000RMB fine for allowing smokers during two different spot checks. So... either Shanghai's been really good about not smoking where designated, or it looks like all those enforcement problems came to fruition. more ›

The city's first smoking ban, which we followed from the time it was a wee bit of an idea to when it began being enforced against certain (underage) people, has officially taken effect for everyone today. The new law gives those who smoke in public places fines from 50RMB to 200RMB. more ›

Remember that smoking ban most recently imposed upon middle school students? Now word on the street is that it will soon be extended to huffers and puffers over the age of 12. The proposed ban against all smokers, sponsored by prominent American and Chinese private health organizations, is currently being workshopped in Beijing, with officials from our fair city being joined by representatives from Qingdao, Tangshan, Ningbo, Wuxi, Changsha and Luoyang. more ›