Starting October 1 there will be a smoking ban in Beijing’s 66,000 taxis to help create a “non-smoking” Olympic Games in 2008. The municipal government has also drafted a set of regulations banning smoking at Olympic venues, athletes’ accommodations and in vehicles designated to serve the Games. Sales of cigarettes will also be banned in all venues, and training and accommodation areas.

Ma Yanje, deputy head of the Taxi Management Department of the Beijing Municipal Transportation Administration Bureau said, “smoking will be banned for both drivers and passengers. Drivers will face a fine of 100 yuan to 200 yuan ($13 to $26 U.S.) if caught smoking in cabs. If passengers violate the regulation their names will be exposed by news media”.

Last April Beijing began a drive banning smoking in hospitals, schools restaurants, government offices and private organizations and other places to ensure its commitment of a “Green Olympics”, said Jin Dapeng, head of the Beijing Municipal Health Bureau.

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