Refer China: “Do You Smoke?” Foreigner Asked by Smoker During Confrontation

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"Do You Smoke?" Foreigner Asked by Indoor Smoker in Shanghai During Confrontation

A recent incident involving a foreign resident in Shanghai has stirred up public discourse on compliance with smoking regulations in China.

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A video uploaded online showed a foreign man politely confronting a local man who was smoking indoors at a commercial area within a residential apartment complex—despite clear "No Smoking" signs.

The foreigner, speaking fluent Mandarin, attempted to dissuade the man from smoking, but his advice was ignored. The man smoking not only dismissed the concern but countered with an indifferent, "Do you smoke?" and continued his behavior while trying to evade accountability by pretending to make a phone call. He also objected to being filmed.

The video quickly gained attention online, with many netizens criticizing the smoker's blatant disregard for public rules. One comment read, "He broke the rules and still acted like he was right!" while others praised the foreigner's courage and sense of civic responsibility.

In response to the public attention, the apartment complex's management confirmed the incident in the video and acknowledged that the smoker was an employee of a commercial tenant. They have since issued a rectification notice to the business involved.

Further actions followed swiftly. On July 22, Minhang District health authorities visited the location to investigate. By July 24, they had interviewed both the individual and the management of the commercial property. The individual was fined 200 RMB, and the business was required to suspend operations temporarily and implement strict smoking control measures.

The foreign resident later posted a follow-up video showing the apartment's official response and called on the public to take a stand against smoking in prohibited areas.

Shanghai has enforced a comprehensive indoor smoking ban since 2017, under the "Shanghai Public Places Smoking Control Regulations." In 2022, the law was updated to include e-cigarettes. It mandates that indoor public spaces, workplaces, and public transportation must remain entirely smoke-free. Violators can face fines of up to 200 RMB for individuals and 30,000 RMB for businesses.

Source: 新民晚报