Free-smoking China for Olympiads
After launching of the ban, in Beijing the first smoke-free restaurant dropped to about 80%, as many refuse to go there where smoking is prohibited.
This dramatic hit has occurred in the center of the most smoking nation - China. In this state, lightening up has become a part of national culture and ban on it has met strong opposition from greater part of inhabitants.
Guo Xiaodong, deputy director of the restaurant chain, has stated that he restaurant is going to be closed because of drop, “at least we’re going to die honourably”.
Restaurant waitress has been trained to discourage clients of smoking, but visitors refuse to do it and show resistance.
“It just illustrates how much resistance there is to kicking the habit among Chinese smokers,” said Zhang Xuemei, a Beijing reporter.
Government has planned to make China smoke-free country till Olympic Games and has established a set of laws that prohibits smoking in certain public places. For example, in October smoking in hospitals, schools, and government offices was banned. Also, it has been banned lightening up in cabs.
Though, people show great resistance and the government worry of the country’s image in foreign eyes on Olympics.
30,000 Beijing restaurants have received the note from the government to respect declared smoking ban, but without results.
