Shenzhen to get tough on tobacco sale to minors

Tobacco sales to minors may result in fines of more than 30,000 yuan ($4,858), as Shenzhen People's Congress, the city's top legislative body, sought public input for a draft amendment on anti-smoking at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Congress on Wednesday, New Express Daily reported.

According to a survey, 61 percent of people support fines of more than 20,000 yuan ($3,238) for tobacco sales to minors, while Shenzhen People's Congress sought comment through questionnaires.

The report recommended that "liability of the seller" needs to be modified, and fines for sellers of tobacco to minors should be at least 30,000 yuan ($4,858).

In addition, the report recommends setting a three-year grace period on limiting smoking areas.

The report recommends a standard enforcement body, and an institution that can assist the police in enforcing the law.