Implementation and Management of Outdoor Smoking Points Standard

According to an official announcement on the website of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government on August 31, the national standard for outdoor smoking areas will officially be implemented starting from September 1.

The Shanghai local standard "Requirements for the Establishment and Management of Outdoor Smoking Areas" was issued by the Shanghai Market Supervision Administration on May 25 this year. This is the first domestic standard for outdoor smoking areas, filling a gap in this area in China and also leading innovation internationally.

The Shanghai Municipal Health Commission stated that the standards have summarized the practical experience of smoke control management in Shanghai and referenced foreign practices. The standards specify the requirements for the selection, facilities, signage, and health reminders of outdoor smoking areas, and also clearly outline the management requirements for daily inspections and maintenance. For example, outdoor smoking areas should not be located in crowded areas or major thoroughfares, should be in open, well-ventilated spaces, and should be at least 6 meters away from building entrances and exits.

Shanghai has selected representative outdoor public places in the city, such as shopping districts, sports facilities, and parks, for demonstration construction. It aims to standardize the setting of no-smoking signs, smoking areas signs, and guidance signs, and plans to complete the construction of 300 demonstration sites by the end of the year.

According to reports, Shanghai's tobacco control legislation has been in place for 15 years, leading to a 7.5% decrease in the adult smoking rate to 19.4%, achieving the "Healthy China 2030" goal ahead of schedule. On October 28, 2022, the "Shanghai Public Place Smoking Control Regulations" were revised again, including e-cigarettes in the ban on smoking in public places.

The Shanghai Municipal Health Commission introduced that this standard is an important measure to promote the "Three-part Smoke Control Action", which includes "comprehensive indoor smoking ban, no smoking in outdoor recreational areas, and smoking only in designated areas". Shanghai will strengthen the promotion of not smoking outdoors at will, and smokers should avoid smoking in crowded areas and go to designated outdoor smoking areas.