RULES FOR BEHAVIOUR DURING THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN CHINA 2008. Beijing considers ban on smoking in Olympic venues Beijing is considering a ban on smoking in venues for Olympic Games, in a response to a political advisor's concern about unbridled smoking behavior in public places. "The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) is discussing with the Health Ministry to set aside special smoking areas in the game venues so as to ensure most part of these venues free of tobacco smog". Smoking is often seen in places with clear non-smoking signs. High-end restaurants and hotels should put restrictions on smokers, but few of them have yet divided special smoking areas. The Olympic Games, are not only the most important sports event China has ever hosted, but also a test of the nation's infrastructure and facilities, and a demonstration of its people's ethics and manners. A tobacco-free Games is always on top of the agenda for China's preparations for a green Olympics. In last May, the Ministry of Health promised to ban smoking by the end of 2007 at all hospitals that would be used specifically for the Games. The ban will also be extended to public transport and public buildings, specifically places offering services to children. The concept of a "non-smoking" Olympic Games, initiated in 1988, was put into practice in Barcelona in 1992. But it remains to be an arduous task for Beijing. It is estimated that 350 million people, about 26 percent of the country's population and a third of the world's smoking population, are hooked on nicotine. The Beijing organizers, however, have a big incentive to rectify discourtesies. Other drives include the clean-up of vulgar wording, anti-spitting patrols, etiquette lessons for hotel staff and English training for taxi drivers and police.
