Smoking bans will soon be more strictly enforced in Beijing's sports venues, restaurants, Internet cafes and other public places.

The Beijing Morning Post reported on Saturday that new anti-smoking regulations passed by the municipal legislature will go into effect in May in accordance with international treaties to ensure a smokeless Olympics.

Compared with the no-smoking regulations of 1996, the new bans will include more public places, according to an official from the Beijing municipal legislature.

Besides the previous smoking ban for gymnasiums, the new regulations will ban smoking within stadiums and businesses including restaurants, Internet cafes, public offices, canteens, hallways and elevators. Hotels and rest houses will be required to offer smokeless guest rooms.

The new regulations specify requirements for the public smoking zones including the distance allowed from public areas, posted signs, and fire safety requirements. The regulations also require non-smoking education programs and a gradual removal of the smoking zones.

(CRI March 29, 2008)