Smoking in Beijing .. Out of puff
No longer compulsory; in some places not even allowed
AFTER meeting only mixed success in its years of campaigning to improve the quality of its air, Beijing is tackling one noxious source of emissions, in a measure that promises better air in offices, meeting rooms and maybe even restaurants. From May 1st smoking has been banned in a wide range of public buildings. Meanwhile, hotels, bars, restaurants and internet cafés have had to provide non-smoking areas. Individuals caught lighting up in the wrong place may be fined 10 yuan ($1.40). Penalties as high as 5,000 yuan await non-compliant businesses and institutions.