Smoking Control Remains Difficult in Nanning, Guangxi; Public Reporting Encouraged to Help

Overview: It has been reported that nearly two months after the implementation of the "Nanning Smoking Control Regulations," reporters found that smoking hotspots still exist in smoke-free areas such as stations, internet cafes, and restaurants in Nanning, Guangxi. Relevant departments encourage "casual photography" to help improve the situation.
According to Chinese e-cigarette news, since the implementation of the "Nanning Smoking Control Regulations" (hereinafter referred to as "Smoking Control Regulations") on July 1, the regulations have high requirements for smoking control and are referred to as the "strictest ever." How effective has smoking control been in Nanning since the regulations were implemented?
Stations: Smokers are discouraged
Netizen "I am a bachelor": Sometimes I see smokers in the smoking area at the bus station, but I can't remind them and can't find station management, so I have to stay away from smokers. Is there a better way? We can't let them "run rampant"!
Reporter investigation: During visits to the Langdong Bus Station and train station, reporters found no smoking signs posted inside. At the train station, a man smoking was immediately stopped by staff.
Internet cafes: Smoke-filled with no management
Mr. Zhao: At Lingxin Internet Cafe at the intersection of Qingshan Yinghua Road in Nanning, many netizens are smoking inside, and the internet cafe manager doesn't care. Didn't the "Smoking Control Regulations" say that smoking is not allowed in public places?
Reporter investigation: During a visit to an internet cafe on Keyuan Avenue, many netizens had a strong urge to smoke, and one netizen even revealed, "I need to smoke a pack every hour." When the reporter mentioned the smoking ban in internet cafes, he looked disdainful: "Look at which internet cafe in Nanning doesn't have people smoking."
Restaurants: Operators indulge smokers
Ms. Han: Nanning has introduced regulations prohibiting smoking in public places, but I often go for morning tea with friends and find that diners at Mingyuan Royal Restaurant on Xinmin Road and Jindalu Restaurant on Hengyang East Road are smoking without restraint. When I complained to the restaurant staff, they said diners are eating and smoking at the same time, making it difficult to persuade them to stop.
Netizen "Walrus♂Benben": On Xiuling Road West No. 1, some breakfast vendors smoke while serving customers, handling dumplings and buns without washing their hands. Why is no one managing this situation?
Reporter investigation: During meal times, reporters visited several restaurants and found many smokers. When reporters reminded the staff about the "Smoking Control Regulations," the staff claimed they were unaware. When reporters pointed to the no smoking sign on the restaurant wall and asked the staff to discourage smoking, the staff said, "The customers might get unhappy."
Office buildings: No management of smoking
Mr. Huang: One day I went to a government department to handle some affairs, and as soon as I entered the office of the section chief, I found him smoking while talking to colleagues, with an ashtray in front of him. Didn't they say that party members and officials should take the lead in smoking control?
Reporter investigation: Reporters visited several government departments and enterprises, and in many workplaces, ashtrays were visible. Some staff mentioned that they did not feel the deterrent effect of the regulations, saying, "We usually smoke, and no one comes to discourage us."
Some enterprises adopt crowd separation to reduce harm
Some enterprises stated in interviews that according to the smoking control regulations, they only tell smokers "no" and can only let customers smoke outside. Many restaurant operators feel the most about balancing the smoking control regulations and smokers' habits. A restaurant owner said that if the overall environment prohibits smoking, then when they discourage customers, it might not upset them. However, if only their restaurant is strict, customers are likely to be unhappy, "We rely on good relations to do business."
Therefore, some restaurants have come up with a "solution" to separate smokers from non-smokers. Reporters followed Mr. Qin to the Marriott Hotel, where the staff first asked, "Would you like to sit in the non-smoking area or the smoking area?" Reporters observed that both areas were present, but there was no barrier in between. Many citizens felt this was an effective method. During visits, reporters learned that some hotels also offer non-smoking and smoking rooms.
Regarding the practice of separating crowds in hotels, smoking control experts stated that since the two spaces are not completely blocked, air will circulate, making the effect minimal. The expert mentioned that Nanning's smoking control proposes a viewpoint to fully protect non-smokers, which also includes protecting hotel staff. Therefore, the "Smoking Control Regulations" also specify that the standards for setting up smoking rooms indoors are quite high, and if they are not met, some temporary measures are not encouraged, and customers can be advised to smoke in open outdoor areas. #p# Page Title #e#
Relevant departments encourage citizens to "casually photograph" for supervision
The reason the "Smoking Control Regulations" are referred to as the "strictest ever" is that they also include venue operators and managers in the smoking control system. If smokers violate the regulations by smoking in their venues and the venue responsible person does not discourage them, they will also be punished. But has this really been implemented in reality?
Mr. Xie was dining at a restaurant in Mixc City when nearby customers were smoking. He called the manager and requested that the manager discourage the smoking customers, but the manager said, "How can we manage if they smoke?" Subsequently, he called the Nanning Food and Drug Administration to request that the regulatory department punish the restaurant and the customers. However, because Mr. Xie did not take photos or record evidence at the time, the matter ended without resolution.
Reporters learned from health departments that so far, Nanning has mainly adopted an educational approach and has not yet had any punishment cases. However, the relevant person in charge stated that the "Smoking Control Regulations" do have binding force, but the operability is not strong, and there are certain difficulties in enforcement. Therefore, they are further developing detailed rules. The person in charge also revealed that regarding the current problems, health departments are conducting investigations, and the next step will coordinate enforcement efforts for exemplary enforcement activities during key times and in key places.
Additionally, the person in charge stated that Nanning citizens have a strong awareness of smoking control, but for some violators and operators who do not discourage smoking, he suggested that citizens supervise by "casually photographing" while ensuring their own safety, and relevant departments will investigate and deal with them according to the law.