China’s Smoking Ban Sets Restaurants Against Defiant Customers

A public smoking ban took effect in China’s capital today, with restaurant owners wincing at the notion of paying a hefty fine for patrons who insist on lighting up.

The law uses the threat of fines as high as 10,000 yuan ($1,600) in a bid to succeed where past smoking limits failed and enlist owners of bars and restaurants as enforcers. On day one, several claimed they shouldn’t be held responsible.