Cleaner air a reality for Beijingers thanks to new smoke-free law

June was a great month in Beijing. The weather was warm, the flowers in full bloom, and there were plenty of crystal clear days outside - with blue sky and lovely white clouds. I've loved being out and about, just soaking it all up. And all the more so since indoor public places across the city - including restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels - are now smoke-free.

On June 1, Beijing's news moking control law came into effect. The Beijing law is the toughest tobacco control law in China to date. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, and many outdoor public places such as kindergartens and schools. There are tough penalties for owners and managers of establishments who don't comply.

The Beijing government's work to enforce the law is off to a great start. The health inspectors have been out and about in force, supported by thousands of community volunteers. If you break the law, you will pay a fine - dozens of businesses have been issued fines in the last couple of weeks alone. Beijing's residents are actively engaging in the enforcement effort too: several thousand complaints have been made to the 12320 hotline.