China mulls smoking scene ban on screen

(ECNS) -- China's National Health and Family Planning Commission has proposed in a draft a fine up to 30,000 yuan for showing smoking scenes in TV programs and films.

According to the draft, all cigarette brands and cigarette advertisements are to be banned from appearing in films, TV shows, and all other TV programs. Smoking scenes in no-smoking areas are forbidden in movies. Juveniles are prohibited from buying or smoking cigarettes in film or on TV, which cannot depict smoking if teenagers are present in the scene.

The proposal, the first nationwide administrative regulation of tobacco use in public places, was submitted to the Legal Affairs Office of the State Council, China's cabinet, to gauge public opinion.

Violators of the regulations will be ordered to make timely corrections by the State Administration Department of Radio, Film and Press, and be fined between 5,000 to 30,000 yuan.

In serious cases, media shall be ordered to stop operation until the issue is corrected or face having their business licenses revoked.