Yichuan County, Henan, Strengthens a “No-Smoking Protection Circle” for Minors

Recently, the Yichuan County People's Procuratorate in Henan Province, in conjunction with the Public Security Bureau, Tobacco Bureau, and Market Supervision Administration, conducted a "review" of the public interest litigation activities aimed at banning smoking around schools in our county.

During the activity, staff inspected 26 small shops and convenience stores, as well as 15 mobile stalls within a 200-meter radius of the County Experimental Primary School, South Street Primary School, North Street Primary School, County Direct Middle School, and Yichuan County First Junior High School. The inspection focused on whether there were any instances of selling tobacco to minors; whether "No Tobacco Sales to Minors" signs were prominently displayed in stores; whether the application for a tobacco retail license was strictly enforced according to reasonable layout regulations; whether there were any illegal activities involving the sale of e-cigarettes and other new tobacco products; whether there were sales of unregulated food; whether toys that could endanger minors' safety were sold; and whether "explosive packages" were sold. While conducting the review, staff also conducted a comprehensive inspection of product sales related to minors around the campus.

After the inspection, it was found that there was an unlicensed container store selling tobacco and alcohol outside the gate of Yichuan County First Junior High School. Staff immediately advised them to cease operations and remove the store signage. Moving forward, the Yichuan County Procuratorate will continue to adhere to the principle of "most beneficial for the healthy growth of minors" and will intensify efforts to address the issues identified during this activity, urging administrative agencies to perform their duties in accordance with the law, and promoting the implementation of the minor protection system through prosecutorial functions.