In a landmark achievement, Shenzhen, known as the manufacturing center and the global capital of vaping products, has surpassed major cities like Beijing and Shanghai in tobacco control, achieving the 2030 National Goal for reducing smoking rates ahead of schedule. This significant milestone coincides with the 10th anniversary of the rigorous “Shenzhen Economic Special Zone Smoking Control Regulations” introduced in 2014.
Shenzhen’s Remarkable Reduction in Smoking Rates
A recent survey highlights that the smoking rate among adults aged 15 and above in Shenzhen has dramatically dropped to 16.9%, positioning it below the rates in Beijing (19.9% in 2023) and Shanghai (19.4% in 2023), and well under the national average of 24.1% in 2022. This success has positioned Shenzhen as a leader in the Healthy China 2030 initiative, well ahead of its projected timeline.
Pioneering the Mainland’s Strictest Smoking Ban
Implemented on March 1, 2014, Shenzhen’s comprehensive smoke-free law is celebrated as the strictest in mainland China. This legislation prohibits smoking in all indoor public places, workplaces, and on public transportation, and has been crucial in setting a robust tobacco control benchmark nationwide.
Innovative Enforcement and Community Involvement
Shenzhen has cultivated a unique “mobilizing the whole city” approach, characterized by the formation of a joint tobacco control committee comprising 23 units, with 8 units enforcing the regulations vigorously. Furthermore, the city has harnessed community power by establishing a team of tobacco control volunteers, promoting widespread public participation.
Enhanced Regulations and WHO Praise
In 2019, the regulations were expanded to include bus stops, subway entrances, and e-cigarettes, reinforcing Shenzhen’s commitment to comprehensive smoke control. These amendments have earned accolades from the World Health Organization (WHO), with representative Martin Taylor lauding the regulations as a model of legal excellence in tobacco control.
Advanced Technology and Public Engagement
Shenzhen has also been a frontrunner in utilizing technology for enforcement. The introduction of the “smoke control electronic eye” in Pingshan District exemplifies this, with devices installed in smoke-free zones to monitor air quality and detect smoke, ensuring swift enforcement action.
Moreover, the launch of the “Don’t Smoke” smoking control complaint app has empowered citizens to actively participate in enforcement by reporting violations, which are promptly addressed by tobacco control volunteers and law enforcement personnel.
A Decade of Leadership in Tobacco Control
Over the past decade, Shenzhen’s tobacco control efforts have set several precedents, including imposing substantial fines for selling cigarettes to minors and for smoking violations in internet cafes. The city’s comprehensive and innovative approach not only enforces the law but also fosters a culture of compliance and awareness.
Looking Forward
As Shenzhen continues to lead with its exemplary tobacco control measures, it serves as a beacon for other cities aiming to improve public health through effective tobacco control strategies. The city’s proactive and community-involved approach provides a scalable model that can inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
With its trailblazing efforts, Shenzhen not only meets but exceeds expectations, paving the way for a healthier future for its residents and setting a benchmark for global tobacco control standards.
