Inspection Blitz: Multiple Xining Departments Conduct Joint Compliance Checks on E-cigarettes and Ot

May 31

The Market Supervision Bureau of Chengbei District, Xining City, in conjunction with

The Tobacco Monopoly Bureau of Xining City and Chengbei Public Security Bureau

conducted joint inspections of the tobacco market around primary and secondary schools in the area.

May 31 marks the 36th World No Tobacco Day. This year's theme is "No Smoking, Safeguarding Growth." To continuously purify the environment around campuses, protect the healthy growth of young people, and effectively prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors, on that day, the Market Supervision Bureau of Chengbei District, Xining City, in conjunction with the Tobacco Monopoly Bureau of Xining City and Chengbei Public Security Bureau, conducted joint inspections of the tobacco market around primary and secondary schools.

No sale of tobacco within 50 meters of school entrances

"Is there any sale of cigarettes in the store? Are there any electronic cigarettes? Are there signs prohibiting the sale of tobacco to minors?" The joint inspection team first arrived near Shenna Middle School, entering a small shop while checking the business license and carefully inspecting the store's goods.

The store owner, Mr. Li, stated that due to the proximity of his store to the school, he does not sell cigarettes. He has posted a sign stating "Smoking is harmful to health" next to his food business license, indicating that selling cigarettes to minors is prohibited, with violators facing a fine of 10,000 yuan. The store has multiple signs prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to minors, as well as reminders against selling alcohol to minors.

The inspectors provided him with a brochure on the "Law on the Protection of Minors," saying, "Look, the Law on the Protection of Minors of the People's Republic of China officially came into effect on June 1, 2021, which prohibits the sale of cigarettes (including electronic cigarettes) to primary and secondary school students, effectively preventing smoking (including electronic cigarettes) among primary and secondary school students..." "I will read it carefully and definitely abide by the law," Mr. Li said.

In another small shop, the owner stated that he would not sell cigarettes or electronic cigarettes to minors. "Recently, I heard that someone was fined 10,000 yuan for selling cigarettes to minors, which not only harms the children but also results in a loss for myself," he said. "I won't do that."

"Stores within 50 meters of school entrances are not allowed to sell tobacco and should also post signs prohibiting the sale of tobacco to minors," a staff member from the Tobacco Monopoly Bureau of Xining City explained. To effectively prevent the sale of tobacco to minors, the sales environment around campuses must be monitored. On one hand, it is necessary to prevent scattered sales by store owners, and on the other hand, inspections and warnings must be carried out.

During the inspection, it was found that some merchants had placed warning signs in concealed locations, while others had blocked the signs with products. Inspectors urged merchants to post warning signs in prominent locations, remove obstructions, and reminded them that when they cannot determine a customer's age, they should check the customer's ID information.

Merchants refuse to sell electronic cigarettes

Many people are unaware of the dangers of electronic cigarettes. During the inspection, the owner of a stationery store near Qilian Road Primary School said that she has three children and is particularly cautious about not stocking electronic cigarettes and similar products because she knows smoking is harmful to children's health.

Inspectors carefully examined the usage methods and other functions of toys, stationery, and other items on the shelves. "Many illegal electronic cigarettes are designed to look like toys, with various fruity and cola flavors, making it difficult for children to recognize and easy for them to purchase," a staff member from the Market Supervision Bureau of Chengbei District explained.

One merchant stated that he knows the dangers of electronic cigarettes to children, so he resolutely does not sell electronic cigarettes in his store.

Last year, the National Tobacco Monopoly Bureau issued the "Regulations on the Management of Electronic Cigarettes," which clearly prohibits the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes other than tobacco flavor, and officially came into effect on May 1 of that year. The "Regulations" define electronic cigarettes to include cartridges, smoking devices, and products sold in combination with cartridges and smoking devices.

"Today, we inspected more than ten shops, supermarkets, and stationery stores around Shenna Middle School, Qilian Road Primary School, and Xining City's No. 13 Middle School, and found no sale of electronic cigarettes. We will continue to monitor the safety of consumption around campuses," said a staff member from the Market Supervision Bureau of Chengbei District.

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