China has over 300 million smokers and over a million Chinese people die from smoking-related illnesses every year.
The Communist Party of China has approved the prohibition of smoking in public places in Beijing, the country’s capital city. The party gave in to pressure from various health groups and set aside another pressure from the tobacco industry.
Repeat offenders will be named and shamed on a government website, according to the Reuters news agency.
The ban also includes smoking near hospitals and schools.
"Restaurant staff have a duty to dissuade people from smoking, if they don't listen to persuasion, then law enforcement authorities will file a case against them," said Mao Qunan of the National Health and Family Planning Commission.
The new rules have been welcomed by anti-smoking activists, who have long campaigned for stronger restrictions on lighting up. But some have questioned whether the new measures will be effective, as previous rules were seldom enforced.
Anyone who violates the ban - which include smoking near schools and hospitals - will be hit with a 200 yuan fine, up from 10 yuan. The names of those breaking the law three times will posted on a government website for a month. Businesses failing to comply will also be fined.
China's parliament passed legislation last month banning tobacco advertising in mass media and in public places. Bright red banners have been posted around Beijing with anti-smoking messages, and a hotline to report violators has been set up.
