Cigarette smoking is looked down on in the West where they are considered to be social pariahs. But here! No!
Smoking is alive and well in mainland China. China can be thought of as a smoker's paradise, almost a haven of contentment where the smoker may draw and blow out foul clouds of smoke to his or her heartfelt content. Never mind your space, I'm alright Jack. Why, here in
Guilin there is even a hotel that proudly bares the name 'Cigarette Trade Hotel'.
I kid you not.
Mainland Chinese smoke freely in public places, which will either come as a highly appreciated relief, if you are a smoker, or a nightmare if you are a non-smoker.
The self governing region of
Hong Kong has implemented a rather severe anti-smoking law that has been effective since 2007. Heavy fines are in place, smokers caught will receive the harshest of treatments. There are well designated smoking areas where one can sit, puff off as many 'fags' as one wants.
On mainland China, there is a growing concerted effort to eliminate cigarette smoking in public places, such as in hospitals and inside taxis and elevators, but enforcement of such laws varies considerably by province and city. May 1st of this year saw a new law come into effect. Smoking will be banned in all indoor public places, that is to include all hotels, bars and restaurants. According to the government’s decision, smoking will be allowed only at special places.
Any person who violates this law will be fined NOTHING! Yes! That is correct, absolutely nothing.
Last week I stayed at the five star Liuzhuo Hotel where I found very smart, ornate ash trays on the dining tables. On my question to the manager "why are ashtrays on the table when there is a law against smoking" he replied "Oh sir! The government doesn't really mean it".
Smoking cigarettes has also a rather strong social significance in China. You will find that a common form of greeting will be to offer a cigarette. It is quite normal to be sitting in a restaurant when, halfway through the meal your fellow guest will dive into his pocket pull out a pack of cigarettes, gaily light-up, blowing smoke half way across the room. It is not rare for the men to offer their colleagues a cigarette. If you are not a smoker it is polite that you gracefully accept the cigarette, place it in your front shirt pocket, smil and utter a small "thank you."
At weddings where the 'bride and groom' stand outside the reception, you will see the 'maid of honour' holding a large plate with assorted sweets. The 'best man' will also be there, lighter in hand dispensing top quality cigarettes.
Quality counts towards 'status'. Many Chinese will partially evaluate your social status on the basis of the cost of the cigarettes you smoke in public. Tobacco companies often produce different packets of the same name that range considerably in price. These can be identified by the colour of the pack. It is also important to have a soft paper packet because these are more expensive. Up's one economic status don't you know!
A short while ago a fellow teacher who loves to smoke one of the cheaper brands, was quietly spoken to by one of his students, telling him that "a person in your position is making the wrong impression by smoking a certain type of cigarette".
Embarrassing eh? Or what?
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