China will ban smoking in enclosed public locations starting May 1. The ban is part of the revised regulations on health management in public places.

Business owners of public places are required to set up obvious "Smoke Free" signs, carry out promotional activities about the harm of smoking and designate personnel to dissuade smoking.

The ban also stipulates smoking areas outdoors should not involve pedestrian walkways. Cigarette vending machines are not to be installed in public places.

Fines for offences, set in 1991 at anywhere between 20 yuan ($3) and 20,000 yuan ($3,000), have been increased to between 500 yuan ($76) and 30,000 yuan ($4,574).