A Look at Public Places, Resident Support, and Ongoing Initiatives

Progress and Challenges

The Shanghai Patriotic Health Campaign Committee Office recently released a white paper on smoking control in public places, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges.

High compliance with non-smoking regulations: In 2024, 96.9% of designated non-smoking areas lacked smoking utensils and 99.8% had indoor smoking rooms, demonstrating consistent adherence to regulations.

Notably, 98.3% of survey respondents expressed support for comprehensive smoking bans, reflecting a growing awareness and acceptance of smoke-free environments.

Littering: The proportion of public areas free of cigarette ends decreased to 91.5%, indicating a need for improved disposal habits.

The smoking incidence rate within designated non-smoking areas reached 13%, with higher rates observed in specific locations like entertainment venues and public transportation waiting areas.

To address these challenges, nine government departments in Shanghai have issued a notice outlining specific requirements for eight key public locations, aiming to further strengthen smoking control measures. Additionally, the office plans to promote awareness among smokers to refrain from smoking while walking and encourage them to use designated areas.

Overall, Shanghai's smoking control efforts have achieved significant progress, with high compliance rates and increasing public support. However, ongoing challenges related to littering and smoking in non-designated areas require continued attention and targeted interventions.