王府井吸烟区遭批判
A large, open air smoking area located in Beijing's Wangfujing pedestrian walking street is being accused of violating local smoking control regulations, reports chinanews.com.
中心网报道，北京王府井行人步行街上一大块露天吸烟区被指责违反禁烟法规。
The 70 meter outdoor smoking zone features 18 stainless steel seats, 13 standing ashtray pillars, six metal barriers including two advertising boards and a smoke ring-shaped statue.
Beijing Tobacco Control Association (BTCA) claims the smoking zone, which is located outside the entrance of a department store, represents a safety hazard.
The BTCA also contends the outdoor smoking area poses a danger to the public, as it poses health risks to visitors, especially to women, children and the elderly.
"The area is a disguised form of tobacco advertising, and its establishment may induce young people passing by to smoke," argues the BTCA.
The Association is calling for Wangfujing to be turned into a smoke-free zone, given the daily passenger flows on the street.