False Start for Beijing's Olympic Anti-smoking Law

Chinese smokers can continue to enjoy lighting up in bars and restaurants, after officials in the capital backtracked on a ban ahead of this summer's Olympics.

The Beijing government pledged to hold a smoke-free Games. But the city's 4 million cigarette lovers had other ideas, and the catering industry warned businesses would lose custom if it implemented the rules.

Today, Zhang Peili, an official with the municipal government, said customers could still light up as long as restaurants had separate smoking and non-smoking areas.

Establishments that failed to provide both sections would be fined 5,000 yuan (£360), she added, but admitted that enforcing the regulations would be "extremely difficult".

"There is a Chinese saying that tobacco and alcohol always come together. This has developed into the Chinese people's habit," she said.

The China Daily newspaper reported that bars and internet cafes would also be exempt from the ban, which comes into force on May 1, after originally being included.

China has around one third of the world's smokers - 350 million in total. Cigarettes are a common gift and a packet of 20 can cost as little as 2 yuan (28p).

One study suggested that the government earned 240bn yuan (£17.3bn) in tobacco taxes in 2005. But the rising cost of health care - around 1 million people a year are thought to die from smoking-related diseases - has prompted many officials to seek to crack down on the habit.

Last month, Beijing proposed a smoking ban in government offices, sports venues, hospitals and museums. The state media have reported that it will be extended to school campuses.

A ban on smoking in taxis - introduced last October - carries 200 yuan (£14.40) fines for drivers who are caught.