Beijing tightens ban on indoor smoking

BEIJING – China’s capital began imposing the country’s toughest ban on indoor smoking today in hopes of stemming a looming health crisis.

Smoking in Beijing is now prohibited in all indoor public places, including offices, shopping malls and airports.

Fines have been raised to 200 yuan ($32), up from the 10 yuan ($1.6) charged under the former partial ban.

The World Health Organization said 300 million Chinese smoke, including about half of all men, and 740 million Chinese are exposed to second-hand smoke.