From The China Daily:

From May, no lighting up at most public places in capital

Beijing will ban smoking in most public places starting from May 1 - a big step toward tobacco control in a nation of 350 million smokers.

The move will also meet China's pledge of a smoke-free Olympics.

More than 150 Chinese cities already have limited restrictions in place, but the capital will be the first to ban smoking in all restaurants, offices and schools.

Beijing has had some smoking restrictions since 1996, when the municipal government prohibited lighting up in large public venues such as schools, sports arenas and movie theaters.

The new rules, which were announced on Saturday, expand the scope to include restaurants, bars, Internet cafes, hotels, offices, holiday resorts and all indoor areas of medical facilities...

...Institutions that fail to comply face immediate fines of up to 5,000 yuan ($713), while it has not yet been decided how to deal with smokers breaking the new rule.

"There are proposals to fine individuals up to 200 yuan," said Cui. "They won't be fined for now, because some legislators insist the new rule contradicts a previous law."...

...Some restaurant owners, however, doubt the rule will be implemented.

Is it difficult to believe that this rule will be enforced.