Should smoking be banned in public places?

Editor's note: China is considering a draft regulation that would ban smoking in all kinds of indoor public places and outdoor space in kindergartens, schools, colleges, women's and children's hospitals as well as in fitness venues. What do you think of the ban? You're welcome to leave your comments.

TedM (UK)

As an asthmatic I find smoking a danger to my health and offensive. However, the plans to reduce smoking in China may be a very uphill struggle as this habit is almost a part of Chinese culture. Smoking bans in public places has been somewhat successful in Western countries, but only after many years of advertising the health issues and raising the tax on tobacco to high levels. Unfortunately, it seems that it is young women in the West who have taken up smoking now. It is, however, also true of China that leaders have more power to demand what they believe to be in the best interests of their people, so if bans are imposed and strictly enforced, maybe they will succeed.... we shall see.