City venues failing to implement smoking ban

Fifteen venues, including restaurants, Internet bars, and railway and bus stations, have been flouting the city’s smoking control rules, authorities said on Wednesday.

Among them were Fengqiao Road Metro Station on Line 11 in Putuo District, Shanghai Hi-tech King World Zone, an office building in Huangpu District, and Zhujiajiao bus station in Qingpu District, according to the Shanghai Health Promotion Commission and operator of 12345, the city's public service hotline.

Chengshiyuan Restaurant in Putuo, Yaoyao Mutton Restaurant in Baoshan District, Shunfeng Restaurant in Hongkou District and Chenyi Internet Bar in Xuhui District were also on the list.

Officials made undercover visits in December and June to the 100 venues most complained about and the 15 were the worst based on the inspections, authorities said.

Investigators spotted smokers in a large number of the venues and staff made no attempt to persuade them to stop, officials said. 

Authorities are to reinspect the venues failing to implement smoking bans, and administrative penalties will be imposed if there are no improvements, officials said.

The public can dial 12345 to report breaches of the rules. The service is available in nine languages.