China is home to a third of the world's smokers as well as being the largest global producer of tobacco.
By ANDREW JACOBS
Published: March 24, 2011
BEIJING — China, the world’s largest tobacco producer and home to a third of all smokers, has issued a national ban on lighting up in hotels, restaurants and other indoor public spaces, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.
Frederic J. Brown/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
A man smoked a cigarette in Beijing on Thursday.
The rules, which take effect on May 1 and spell out education provisions about the dangers of tobacco, include restrictions on cigarette vending machines and on outdoor smoking that affects pedestrians.
But there are considerable loopholes. The rules do not cover factories, offices or government workplaces, and, more important, they lack specific penalty guidelines. That detail has prompted shrugs among devoted smokers, many of whom have long since learned to ignore the no-smoking signs in hospital waiting areas, gymnasium locker rooms and elevators.
“Chinese people, including most government officials, are just too in love with their cigarettes to pay attention to such a law,” said Liu Bailing, 28, a bank employee dining beneath a cumulus cloud of smoke at a restaurant here on Thursday evening.
Ms. Liu’s complaint was not without reason. In the nearly three years since Beijing required restaurants and bars to provide nonsmoking sections, most smokers have continued to puff away with abandon.
While acknowledging the challenges of enforcing the new ban, antismoking advocates hailed the measure as a first step to weaning the nation off tobacco, which health officials say kills more than 1.2 million Chinese a year. China has among the world’s highest smoking rates, with nearly one-third of all adults lighting up. (In the United States, about 21 percent of adults were smokers as of 2008.)
“Even if it’s not stringently enforced in the beginning, having a law is an important place to start,” said Wu Yiqun, deputy director of the Think Tank Research Center for Health Development, a nongovernmental group in Beijing.
Two years ago, the authorities raised taxes on cigarettes, and last month the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television issued guidelines that seek to reduce the number of scenes that feature smoking in movies and television shows.
Still, it remains to be seen how effective the newest ban will be, and skeptics might be forgiven their doubts. The Communist Party, after all, has a monopoly on tobacco production, which provides roughly 7 percent of the government’s tax revenue.
Questions
- How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
- Do you think the ban will be effective?
- What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
- Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
- Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban? (Clue- the Communist party produces all cigarettes)
- If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
If you have other opinions about smoking, feel free to voice them.
1. Smokers will find it inconvenient to smoke in some places as smoking virtually becomes a part of their daily lifestyle.
ReplyDelete2. No.
3. Issue fine.
4. Yes.
5. It will quash the Communist party which produces cigarettes.
6. I would tell him the disadvantages of smoking.
1. How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
ReplyDeleteAns: Well, it may not even make a difference at all to the smokers in China as they could just shrug it off like it was nothing new to them. This, therefore, depends on the enforcement of the new law, banning smoking in hotels, restaurants, other indoor public places and outdoor smoking, by the government on its people. If the government just "bans" smoking in such places, then, I am afraid that there would not be much effect on the country as well as results hoping to achieve with this new law passed down. Thus, the government should see to it personally that the scheme works out well as expected. However, the new restrictions on cigarettes might have some effects on smokers as they might find it inconvenient to smoke without the past easy access to cigarettes.
2. Do you think the ban will be effective?
Ans: No, not if the government chips in a mass of efforts in seeing that it achieves what is expected.
3. What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
Ans: One way Singapore has done to prevent individuals from smoking is to enforce strictly a law that bans people under the age of eighteen from smoking with serious consequences that follow.
4. Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
Ans: Yes, absolutely, since there is not a law that bans countries from enforcing laws implied in others. The laws in Singapore that focuses on smoking might even sum up into an amount in China and proves to be as effective.
5. Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban? (Clue- the Communist party produces all cigarettes)
Ans: The Communist party does own a monopoly in tobacco productions and ths makes up roughly seven percent of the government's tax revenue, ever since it raises taxes on cigarettes. This is a possible factor that leads to the Chinese government's dilemma in enforcing the ban on smoking as if it does not pass down the law, the welfare of its people would be affected, and if it does for the good of majority of the population, there would be a decline in its income.
6. If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
Ans: Simple, I would just tell him to stop smoking as I do not like it as well as most of the people around him before listing down all the disadvantages of smoking has on him and the surrounding people. The rest, such as telling him that he should think for his family and threatening him to bear the consequences of the new ban on smoking, depends on the situation.
By Lim Kai Jie (34)
S2/02
28/03/11
1. The new ban on cigarettes might not affect the smokers much as many of the smokers have long since learned to ignore the no-smoking signs in hospital waiting areas, gymnasium locker rooms and elevators and might disregard them with a shrug. Some of he smokers are even government officials who are just too in love with their cigarettes to pay attention to such a law and would probably pretend not to see someone who is disregarding the law.
ReplyDelete2. No, I think that the government is just doing this to show their people that they are doing something about this problem and might not implement it at all as they themselves also love smoking and might even be a part of the offenders as well.
3. Singapore has made it illegal for teenagers under eighteen to purchase cigarettes at all departmental stores and they will be fined if them are found smoking. It is also illegal to smoke at inappropriate places.
4. Yes, i think china can as the problem in china is really very serious and not to be taken lightly. It is really time to settle the problem once and for all instead of pushing it backwards as they have been doing all these while.
5. Since the Communist party produces all cigarettes, china's economy might drop if the ban of cigarettes is successful as fewer people would buy cigarettes and they will not et as much profit as in recent years.
6. If I was inside a restaurant and the person next to me was smoking, I would first tell him/her to please stop smoking here as I seriously hate smokers and tell him/ her the disadvantages of smoking and its bad effects on him/her and his/her family. Then if he/she does not listen, I will tell the restaurant owner to chase him out or go to the authorities to tell them about him/her.
Name: Ong Sim Yee (13)
Class: 202
Date: 06/04/2011
1. No, there are loopholes and they may make use of the loopholes and ignore the law.
ReplyDelete2. No, the country is too big to arrest everyone who breaks the law.
3. Impose fines and set up restricted areas.
4.Yes. Singapore has been successful.
5.The income of the government might be affected.
6.I would tell him its illegal and it causes cancer.
Rymond (36)
404
1)They will not be allowed to smoke in hotels, restaurants and other indoor public spaces.
ReplyDelete2) I don't think it will affect them as their population is too big and it will be difficult to implement such rules.
3)we have disgusting pictures of body parts rotting on the cigarette packets.we also fine people who smoke at places they shouldn't be smoking at!
4)They can try.. however it may not be effective.
5) If the new ban happens to be effective, the Communist party who produces all cigarettes will have no money :(
6)i will quickly finish my food and leave. just in case he attacks me if i told him to stop.
SohWanQing (18)
404
07/01/2011
I feel that the new ban will infuriate the Chinese smokers as more than half the population in China smokes. That being said, it would however not serve as a effective policy as it will be challenging for the government to implement it on the rural areas as smoking has mostly integrated into the Chinese way of life. Furthermore, the government may not receive support from its own citizens and may ultimately be voted out of power.
ReplyDeleteIn Singapore, the government prevents individuals from smoking by imposing heavy levies on tobacco products and people may be discouraged to buy them. The government also educates the people on the harmful effects on smoking as well as printing gory pictures on the side effects of smoking on the front of tobacco products so that the people will be deterred. It is possible that China adopt this policy but the government may be reluctant to do so as the tobacco companies are all state owned by the communist party and a ban on tobacco products will mean a decrease in national revenue.
1. How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
ReplyDeleteThe smokers will most probably just ignore the new rule.
2. Do you think the ban will be effective?
It is not easy to get the smokers to adhere to the new rules, especially if the government officials themselves ignore the ban.
3. What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
Singapore has enforced strict rules on teenagers, making it illegal for them to buy or smoke cigarettes.
4. Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
The same method may not be effective in China.
5. Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban? (Clue- the Communist party produces all cigarettes)
If the new ban is enforced, less people would buy cigarettes and the Communist party would earn less profit.
6. If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
I would just inform the manager and let the manager deal with the smoker.
1: It will not affect them that much as people there do not really care about the new ban or the non-smoking signs. They are just too addicted to the tobacco sticks they possess and will take quite an effort to restrict them for lighting.
ReplyDelete2:No. I think the ban is not effective as nobody cares about the ban.
3:Singapore has increased the prices of cigarettes by a lot and prohibited people below the age of 18 from buying them.
4:Yes definitely. Singapore has done well in controlling people from smoking and China can definitely learn from Singapore.
5:china's economy might drop if the ban of cigarettes is successful as fewer people would buy cigarettes and they will not et as much profit as in recent years.
6:I would tell him the consequences of smoking and the fact that I dislike the smoke. If he continues then I would have no choice but to complain to the manager of the restaraunt.
Dave Chan Jia Jun (28) 404
1. They will find it inconvienent to smoke. However, this is not going to work well as people can still smuggle in cigarettes from other places.
ReplyDelete2. No. As it will be hard to control or catch ppl in China which is a large country.
3. Singapore has law that prevemt teens under 18 to smoke also only certain area is restricted to smoke.
4.Yes as measures in singapore are quite successful, China may adopt it.
5. If the amont of revenue they earn from the cigrattes decrease, their own income will also decrease, thus they may not inmpose a strong ban to the cigrattes.
6. I will advice them to stop smoking as it will affect other ppl in the restaraunt also.
Cheryl wee(2) 404
1. How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
ReplyDeleteThe smokers in China will have limited places to smoke in indoor areas and this will prevent them from lighting up as often.
2. Do you think the ban will be effective?
I doubt the new ban will be effective. This is evident from the previous bans and laws implemented which the Chinese chose to ignore. This shows that even if the new ban is implemented, its effect will be highly insignificant.
3. What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
Similar to the new ban in China, Singapore also bans the indoor smoking. The Singapore government has taken a further step in implementing this ban at coffee shops etc. as well with labelled "smoking areas".
4. Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
Yes, I think Singapore could follow how the Chinese are trying to reduce the number of smoking scenes from television shows. But other than that, the Singapore government has done relatively well in the area, even outdoing China.
5. Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban? (Clue- the Communist party produces all cigarettes)
The government would be unwilling as the Communist party would take this as an opportunity to rise up against the Chinese government.
6. If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
I would tell them that it is very inconsiderate to smoke in an indoor area as the smell of the smoke would linger and many customers hate its unpleasant smell. I would also tell him/her to be more considerate as cigarette smoke is harmful for one's health especially if its secondhand smoking.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1. They will not be affected.
ReplyDelete2. No it will not be.
3. Singapore now issues fines to people who smoke in smoking-restricted places.
4. Yes, it will be much more effective.
5. If they impose too many laws against smoking, the cigarette economy will fall.
6. Yes.
Kester
Q1. they cant smoke at hotels, restaurants and other indoor public spaces
ReplyDeleteQ2.There are alot loopholes in the law,and many do not cover factories, offices or government workplaces, and, more important, they lack specific penalty guidelines.The China Residents are just too in love with the cigerettes
Q3.Singapore have educated the citizens, harmful effects of smoking and enforced penalties on people who defy laws.
Q4.It is very difficult to change the mindset of the people of China to adopt the styles in Singapore as they have been smoking for a long time.
Q5.The China communist party produces the cigarettes, therefore it is a encouragement to the citizen to continue smoking, as they see it as " since even higher authorities are doing it,why cant we? "
Q6. I will tell the person that there are still others around that do not smoke, and hope they would be considerate enough to not smoke in such places, where most people dont smoke
By: Terence Chua(38)
Class:S404
Questions
ReplyDeleteHow will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
It will not affect the smokers in China much as they have been ignoring the no-smoking signs. This ban may not be effective as the people are too in love with cigarettes and the government officials in charge may not respond to people who disregards this law as they are smokers themselves.
Do you think the ban will be effective?
No, I do not think the ban will be effective.
What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
Singapore has implemented laws and strict policies that discourage the people from smoking in places like specific areas at eateries etc. and people who disregard this law will be fined and/or jailed. People under 18 years of age are also banned from purchasing cigarettes and smoking them.
Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
Yes, I think it will be more effective this way as it could discourage more people from smoking as the policies implemented in China have been quite ineffective so far.
Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban? (Clue- the Communist party produces all cigarettes)
They would lose a significant source of income as lesser people will be buying the cigarettes from them.
If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
I will inform the person that his smoking is seriously affecting my mood and appetite at the restaurant and is also a source of irritation to other people in the restaurant. If the person refuses to stop smoking I will inform the staff at the restaurant so that they can take action as smoking is banned in these places.
Comment by Soh Min Min, class 404.
1. The new ban will not really affect the smokers as they can just ignore the no-smoking signs in hospital waiting areas, gymnasium locker rooms and elevators. The ban lacks specific penalty guidelines, and are not strictly enforced.
ReplyDelete2. No. China has nearly one-third of its adult population lighting up. In addition, the government officials also cannot do without their cigrettes.
3. Singapore has enforced strict laws on people under the age of eighteen, making it illegal for them to purchase cigrettes.
4. Yes. I think China should adopt some of the methods used by Singapore, in order to control the situation there.
5. By enforcing the ban, the country's revenue wil decrease as tobacco production, provides roughly 7 percent of the government’s tax revenue.
6. I would just tell him to stop smoking as I do not like it. I would also tell him the how it affects the people around him, especially his family. If he/she does not listen, I would inform the restaurant staff.
Tan Wan Ying(21) 404
Lionel Tan 404 (34)
ReplyDelete1. The smoker will ignored the ban and there is loophole in the ban. Governement officials also did not follow the ban.
2. The ban will not be effective and there is loophole and smokers will ignored the ban.
3. Singapore issued fine and designated no-smoking area.
4. China could adopt the methods use by Singapore but it might not be effective as China have too many smokers and it will be difficult to control everone.
5. If the ban is enforced, the communist party might feel unhappy and opposed the government.
6. I would tell the staff.
1. How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
ReplyDeleteSmokers would not be able to smoke in the restricted zones and thus, this would help force them to reduce their intake of Tobacco.
2. Do you think the ban will be effective?
No as there are considerable loopholes. The rules do not cover factories, offices or government workplaces, and, more important, they lack specific penalty guidelines. That detail has prompted shrugs among devoted smokers, many of whom have long since learned to ignore the no-smoking signs in hospital waiting areas, gymnasium locker rooms and elevators.
3. What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
Singapore issues fine and designated no-smoking area in many places including factories.
4. Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
Yes. Due to the laws introduced, Singapore's have managed to lower the number of smokers, thus proving effective.
5. Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban? (Clue- the Communist party produces all cigarettes)
As the Communist Party has a monopoly on tobacco production, which provides roughly 7 percent of the government’s tax revenue, therefore the government would be unwilling to enforce the new ban as it would mean a decrease in their government’s tax revenue.
6. If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
I would state the effects of smoking like it would worsen their health and also remind them that it is illegal to smoke in the restaurant. If they do not heed my warnings, I would inform the restaurant's manager.
1. The new ban on cigarettes might not affect the smokers as they are just too in love with their cigarettes to pay attention to such a law. Thus, the people in China would just ignore the no-smoking signs in hospital waiting areas, gymnasium locker rooms and elevators, and continue to smoke.
ReplyDelete2. No, because there are loopholes and the rules do not cover factories, offices or government workplaces, and, more importantly, they lack specific penalty guidelines. These loopholes made the devoted smokers to ignore the no-smoking signs. Hence, the ban will not be effective.
3. Singapore has made it illegal for teenagers under eighteen to buy cigarettes or they will be fined. Smokers will also be fined if they smoke at inappropriate places like in hospitals or elevators.
4. Yes, China could adopt the methods used in Singapore but it might not be very effective as there are too many smokers in China and not everyone would follow the law.
5. It is because the Communist party produces all cigarettes, therefore if the government enforce the new ban, fewer people will purchase cigarettes, causing a decline in China's economy.
6. If I was inside a restaurant and the person next to me was smoking, I would tell him not to smoke there as I hate smokers and smoking in a restaurant is illegal. Furthermore, I would tell him that smoking is bad for his health. If he continues smoking, I would then inform a staff.
Ng Kai Ting(12)
Class 202
09/04/11
1. The new ban on cigarettes would probably not affect the smokers in China as most of them do not pay attention to these bans or laws and they have already learned to ignore the no-smoking sign.
ReplyDelete2. No, there are considerable loopholes and the rules do not cover factories, offices or government workplaces. There is even a lack in specific penalty guidelines.
3. Singapore has enforced strict laws, making it illegal for those that under 18 years old to purchase cigarettes. Non-smoking areas have been designated in coffee shops, shopping malls etc. and smokers can be fined heavily for smoking at non-smoking areas.
4. Yes but it might not be effective in China because the Chinese people have already learned to ignore laws made by the government so they would probably pay no attention to the laws being enforced.
5. The Communist party produces all the cigarettes and this is probably a way they use to boost the country's economy. So, China's economy would most likely drop as less and less people would purchase cigarettes.
6. I would advised him/her to stop smoking and tell him/her that it is very inconsiderate for him to do that. However, if he/she continues to smoke, I would inform the restaurant's staff.
Yap Yi Ning (23)
S202
1. How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
ReplyDeleteThe smokers will continue to ignore the new ban as there are loopholes in the law and that they are too concerned about their smoking habits to not smoke in indoor places. Also, the government who is in charge of this law are also not setting a good example themselves by smoking. The people will also ignore the no smoking signs and continue smoking.
Q2.Do you think the ban will be effective?
No, I do not think that the ban will be effective as the smokers had all ignored the previous ban, why would this new ban be effective then?
Q3. What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
Singapore's government has imposed harsh laws by fining them for those who smoke in the no smoking area and have also increased the prices of cigarettes. There are also more efforts in the the education as from young, schools have be telling us about the disadvantages of smoking, thus, reducing in the young one becoming possible smokers in the future.
Q4. Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
Yes, they could. However, they may need time to change from their ways and the government first have to set a good example.
Q5. Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban? (Clue- the Communist party produces all cigarettes)
The Communist Party would earn less money from the people and they would think about their own benefits first before about the health and welfare of the people. Therefore, the government will be hesitant to enforce this new ban because of their benefits.
Q6. If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
I would tell that person not to smoke there as he is not allowed to smoke there and that it is illegal. I would also tell him about the disadvantages of smoking before telling a staff if not does not heed my advice.
Rache Tan Lay Theng(16)
Class 202
1. They will not be able to smoke in hotels and other public places.
ReplyDelete2. No, the Chinese in China are all ready addicted to their cigars. Plus, the ban was never applied to factories. Thus, prodicing a loophole. Not to mention that China is too big for law to be enforced successfully everywhere
3. People under 18 cannot but cigarettes (or cigars, as I like to call them), smoking has also been banned in most public places and if you are caught, you will be fined appropriately.
4. Yes, China could adopt the methods that Singapore has been using, alb eit they might not be too effective there unless their law enforcement steps up a notch.
5. The Chinese government wishes to destroy their opposition's cash by destroying their main source of income, the cigarettes. Thus, the government will have the upper hand.
6. I would kindly request him to stop smoking as it ruins my taste in good food. However, if he is in the smoker's corner, then I would just go to another seat or another restaurant.
Sean Phang (38)
202
cheng wei yang 205 26
ReplyDeleteQ1.How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
smokers will not be able to light up in hotels, restaurants and other indoor public spaces
Q2.Do you think the ban will be effective?
it depends. if the ban is enforced stringently, it will be effective in its goal to stop smoking. however, if it is not enforce stringently, the ban may not be effective and will not achieve its goal
Q3.What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
the government of Singapore has raised the tax on the cigarettes. in addition it also hold talks and exhibitions in schools and in public areas to educate the public the harms of smoking
Q4.Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
its possible. since the bilateral ties between china and Singapore are good, the Chinese government may take a look the measures in place by government of Singapore . this may led to china adopting some of Singapore's measures
Q5.Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban?
the ban means discouraging people from smoking. as the demand for cigarette in china is high, adopting the ban will mean that many people would stop smoking hence with less demand, less cigarette will be produce .in turn, the Chinese government will have less income to spent on other areas
Q6.If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
i not say anything as he as "indulging" in smoking. people who are smoking, their minds are generally "unstable", hence it is not wise to advise that person as it may make a scene
1) They would find smoking difficult as some places would be ban smoking. Also, they might consider to quit smoking after they saw the side effects of smoking.
ReplyDelete2) Yes. Humans are smart. They should be aware of the consequences of smoking.
3) Singapore has ban underage people to smoke and also educated the public on smoking.
4) I think so. China is a very advanced country and there is a need for education on smoking.
5) If the government enforce the ban, there will be less people smoking and also, less cigarette will be made and hence, the government will received less money.
6) I would just leave him alone and go and find another seat as not all people is polite and i dont want to have a scene in the restaurant.
by ding jiawen from 208
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1)They will find it troublesome having to find a place to smoking without breaking the law. But some will still smoke at prohibited areas despite being warn many times.
ReplyDelete2)No. They are so addicted to smoking that they must rely on smoking in order to survive.
3)Singapore raised the prices of the cigarettes which prevented the poorer people from buying the cigarettes. Singapore also banned the young from smoking.
4)Yes. Singapore's method are quite efficient . However, adapting to a new rule is difficult which could take many time.
5)The new ban enforces the people to stop buying cigarettes, which reduces the cigarette production. Hence, the government gets lesser money.
6)I would leave him alone as smokers are usually impatient and hot tempered. I do not want to make a scene in a restaurant.
Pan Lifan(37)205
Q1.They would find it a bit inconvenient as certain places are banned from smoking. However, most would not be affected as they would do anything to smoke, ever if it means going elsewhere to smoke.
ReplyDeleteQ2. Personally, I think the new ban would not do much in helping the chinese overcome their love for smoking.
Q3.They have banned children below 18 to smoke and the packets are very expensive, to discourage others to buy and smoke.
Q4.Yes, has the methods used by the Singapore government have been successful.
Q5.As the communist are the only producer of cigarettes, and most people in China smoke, that means that China would lose a lot of money.
Q6.It would try to explain why I would apperciate it if he would stop smoking. I would tell him the disadvantage of smoking and that he is not allowed to smoke in a resturant.
1. How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
ReplyDeleteAns: The new ban on cigarettes is on lighting up in hotels, restaurants and other indoor public spaces. I believed this new ban will not have much effect on the smokers in china because the smokers are likely to be much addicted to the cigarettes and are likely to ignore no-smoking signs in the public areas which indirectly mean that they may even ignore the rule or the ban. I believed that despite that it is true that it will cause inconvenience for some smokers, most smokers may not even regard it as inconvenience as they may believed that it is worthwhile to go an extra mile in order to smoke. Moreover, there are loopholes in the banning rule which are of that they do not cover factories, offices or government workplaces, and, more important, they lack specific penalty guidelines. These loopholes will allow smokers to have an excuse even if they are caught going against the banning rule. As stated in the news article by Liu Bailing "Chinese people, including most government officials, are just too in love with their cigarettes to pay attention to such a law", it prove that it is the addiction to smoking that the Chinese are facing that urge much concerns and that the location or the banning does not matter much. I believe that the smokers could just shrug it off easily, being oblivious to the banning rule.
Name: Chua Jia sheng
Index number: 28
Class: 202
2. Do you think the ban will be effective?
ReplyDeleteAns: No, since most smokers are likely to ignore it and not much attention from the government is drawn towards this issue by the government of china. Moreover, there are loopholes in the banning rule which are of that they do not cover factories, offices or government workplaces, and, more important, they lack specific penalty guidelines.
3. What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
Ans; Ways that Singapore has done to prevent individuals from smoking is to enforce strictly a law that bans people under the age of eighteen from smoking, a rule that smokers can only smoke in smoking areas and not non-smoking areas and issuing certain fines to the offenders. Schools also organize campaigns and talks to discourage smoking.
Name: Chua Jia sheng
Index number: 28
Class: 202
4. Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
ReplyDeleteAns: Yes, absolutely, but I believe it will be hard to implement some of the ways as the smokers’ habit cannot be changed instantly and that china is a much bigger country than Singapore.
5. Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban? (Clue- the Communist party produces all cigarettes)
Ans: The government would be unwilling to enforce the new ban as China is the world’s largest tobacco producer and the Communist Party has a monopoly on tobacco production, which provides roughly 7 percent of the government’s tax revenue. If the governments implement the new ban, their revenue will decline and they have to find another source of revenue for it. The government has sort of a dilemma between the welfare of its people or the revenue which will indirectly affect china’s future.
Name: Chua Jia sheng
Index number: 28
Class: 202
6. If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
ReplyDeleteAns: I will tell him that he should think for his family and the consequences of smoking in a polite manner. I will also help him understand the banning rule, if the person refuse to listen to my advice, I might threaten to report him to the authorities or may have other actions based on the situation.
Name: Chua Jia sheng
Index number: 28
Class: 202
1) This new ban will only be implemented for certain areas, such as "hotels, restaurants and other indoor public spaces". It is likely that smokers in China will not take the ban into serious consideration as they have "long since learned to ignore the no-smoking signs" in areas. As there has been no serious action taken to curb smoking, the smokers in China will probably disregard the ban, for the government has not been very strict in imposing such smoking laws.
ReplyDeleteHowever, this may be a new beginning to new smoking laws, as the China government may step up measures to control smoking. This new ban could thus be a warning to all smokers to abide by the law and cause them to pay heed to the government. Since smokers will no longer be allowed to smoke in indoor public spaces, these places will become smoke-free, which, I am sure, will be very pleasant for non-smokers in China.
2) To a very minimal extent, yes, the ban will be effective. The effectiveness of the ban will depend on how strict the government is in enforcing the ban. If stringent measures are taken to follow up the ban, it will certainly make a difference in restricting smoking. On the other hand, if the government of China decides not to pay much heed to the ban it has introduced, then the situation in China will only remain stagnant or aggravate. The ban may be feasible, but for it to be effective, a willing government is needed to ensure that it is executed by the book. Furthermore, the people of China also need to be cooperative and considerate when complying to such laws.
3) Singapore has taken various measures to prevent individuals smoking. The Ministry of Health has initiated the National Tobacco Control Programme in the 1980s to ensure that the rate of smoking in Singapore is limited. Following this programme, dangers of smoking to health have been repeatedly publicised through education and various media. Through education in schools, students learn that smoking is detrimental to both physical and psychological health. These consequences of smoking are also emphasised in posters, which are placed in public places for all to see.
No-smoking signs are also closely abided to by smokers, as flouting of this strict law will lead to the offender being fined or possibly jailed. Furthermore, Singapore citizens under the age are not permitted to smoke or be in possessions or cigarettes, or they may be charged in court. These measures have been employed so that the rate of smoking in Singapore will be reduced over time, and have been very successful indeed.
4) I think that China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore in the restriction of smoking. As China authorities have “raised taxes on cigarettes” two years ago, I am sure that the government in China is more than willing to find solutions to the problem of increasing rate of smoking in China. Channels such as education and media can be used to broadcast the harmful effects of smoking.
However, China is very different from Singapore. The population of China is significantly larger than that of Singapore. This might turn out to be quite a problem as it may be difficult for the authorities to spread the anti-smoking messages throughout the whole of China. The China authorities can work around this problem by introducing and implementing other bans and laws to follow the first ban.
ReplyDelete5) The government earns “7 percent” of “tax revenue” from the production of tobacco. If they were to enforce the new ban properly, the income earned by the government will be significantly reduced. As the economy of China is likely to be affected if tobacco production is reduced for the implementation of the ban, the government will not wish to risk losing income and would probably try all means to avoid the loss to the economy. If the government should decide that it is not worth the financial loss to curb smoking, which is all too likely, it will not be willing to enforce the new ban and might find a way to work around it while trying to convince others that it is enforcing it properly.
6) I would look around to check for any no-smoking signs before approaching the person politely and asking if he/she would kindly stop smoking, as it is inconsiderate, whether it is against the law or not. If the person refuses to, I would simply tell them the ill-effects of smoking, such as lung cancer and tooth decay. Should the person still be unmoved, I would leave him/her alone and quickly finish my meal before leaving.
Teo York Sun (16) 410
1)How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
ReplyDeleteI don't think it'll affect very much. It's a huge country to obtain. And millions of people are paying to get killed. I'm not so optimistic about that.
2)Do you think the ban will be effective?
It won't be that effective. given the evidence from the article, where people can blatantly smoke at non-smoking areas, and even near hospitals where people need clean air to breathe (they don't want die as early as these smokers), how will it be effective enough? furthermore, the law isn't even specific to the point where they clearly state WHERE they should smoke.
3)What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
Fining people has always been an effective method as these fines aren't just small fines. Moreover, the law specifically states where smokers should smoke and how far they should be from restricted premises when they smoke.
4)Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
Yes, they should be more specific in the laws and increase the fines. (since the people there are getting richer or so I heard) and more disciplinary action. It may be hard but any solution available is a solution with a potential to work, no matter how crazy it is.
5)Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban? (Clue- the Communist party produces all cigarettes)
It's all about the money, money, money. (No offence, Jessie J.) and the communists are those who are in charge of these cigarettes. More cigars=more consumers=more money=more growth. It's a vicious cycle, and someone ought to break it.
6)If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
since the law doesn't even stop them, what power do I hold? Face it- many people wouldn't even bother telling them because we're...Singaporeans? Being perfectly frank here, I wouldn't sit near a smoking area because there isn't purpose, you'll still inhale the air anyway. so sit as far as possible and that's why I always like to sit inside of the coffeeshop and not the outside.
If you have other opinions about smoking, feel free to voice them.
Frankly, it's like drugs, only that they're legal. It's made up of 4000 chemicals and probably even more, and if cigars never existed, I'd say we'd be saving a lot of resources and not to mention lives now. People are paying companies to kill them? that's insane. When this cycle is broken, only then we can truly prove that money does not make the world go round.
1. How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
ReplyDeleteSmokers would be unable to smoke indoors thus having lesser place to smoke at.However smokers would still find loopholes in the ban so actually it does not affect smokers much
2.Do you think the ban will be effective?
I do not think that it would be very effective as said in the article, people in China are finding loopholes in the ban and continues to smoke a lot. Also many people have been smoking for years thus even if there is a ban, the smokers would not care about it continue to smoke.
3.What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
Singapore implements a certain amounts of fine when smokers smoke in the restricted area. Also Singapore have stated all the areas where smokers can't smoke clearly with signs to show too.
4.Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
Yes, as China have many smokers around and with the more clear restricted areas and fines they may be able to reduce to amount of smokers in their country.
5.Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban?
As the Communist who have a monopoly on tobacco production provides 7% of the government's tax revenue.Thus the Government did not want to lose their important source of income, earning lesser money.
6.If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
I would ask him politely first but if he refuses to stop smoking or go out to smoke.I would then call for the manager to ask him to leave the shop.
If you have other opinions about smoking, feel free to voice them.
To me, i feel that once people pick up smoking they would be unable to stop as it is addictive.Just not smoking fro a day may make them feel uncomfortable.Thus I think that they should not even pick up smoking as it would be hard to stop smoking one day.
1.How will the new ban on cigarettes affect smokers in China?
ReplyDeleteAns:It may not make much difference at all to the smokers as they could shrug it off. This requires enforcement of the new law, banning smoking in hotels, restaurants, other indoor public places and outdoor smoking, by the government on its people.
2.Do you think the ban will be effective?
Ans:It may not make much difference at all to the smokers as they could shrug it off.
3.What has Singapore done to prevent individuals from smoking?
Ans:Singapore has increased prices to discourage new smokers and has stepped up and enforced bans in certain areas.
4.Do you think China could adopt some of the methods used in Singapore?
Ans:Yes.
5.Why would the government be unwilling to enforce the new ban?
Ans:Maybe it would decrease the revenue made by the government
6.If you were inside a restaurant and the person next to you was smoking, what would you tell them to convince him/ her to stop smoking?
Ans:ask him to politely smoke somewhere else or ask the manager to get him out.