Beijing has launched an unprecedented-strict smoking ban since 1 May, which extended its no-smoking areas to more public places and issued severe penalties if broken. New smoking-banned areas include sports venues, fitness centers, cultural relic sites, offices, toilets and lifts, and hotels also have to reserve at least 70 percent of their rooms for non-smokers.

    The new regulation is seen as an effort to realize the government's promise of a "no-smoking Olympics" to the world. Some feel these laws will hurt tourism within Beijing, however local veteran Beijing tour guide Wang Yimeng says, "I appreciate the ban because my work requires me to go to many places around Beijing. Now that people are not allowed to smoke in the public areas it is healthier for me. Some tourists complain, but the majority appreciate the law. I think it helps Beijing's image of becoming a clean city."

    A poll was also carried out recently in Beijing on people's attitude towards smoking. Sixty-nine percent of respondents said they are aware of the capital's smoking ban in public places, while 95 percent said the ban should be expanded, the survey released on 14 July. More than 10,000 residents of 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in the country were polled.

    This demand for more restrictions on public smoking can even be seen in Suzhou. Mr. Pizza, a restaurant located within the Singa Plaza on Jinjihu Road,