The proposal was suggested for areas such as the walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake in an effort to make the area more welcoming to tourists.
At a conference held in the capital last weekend, Health Minister Luong Ngoc Khue suggested the smoking bans would help make popular tourist areas such as Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature feel more civilized and attractive to visitors, Dan Tri reports.
In order to achieve this aim, Khue suggested that signs warning against the risks of smoking should be put up around the lake, along with health warnings on LED screens. ‘Smoke-free’ labels would also be offered to hospitals, restaurants and hotels to recognize their efforts to prevent smoking.
He did add, according to the news source, that designated areas would be set up that would allow for individuals to smoke in spaces that do not affect visitors.
The proposal follows the announcement of an upcoming ban on depictions of gratuitous smoking in films. According to the new law, smoking can only be shown on screen or on stage if the depiction is to criticize cigarette use, to portray a real historical figure, or to illustrate a real period in history. Even then, actors are forbidden from consuming real cigarettes on stage.
What's more, a report released earlier this year stated that smoking bans had been instituted in 1,200 schools nationwide, while smoking on public transport was also banned earlier this year.
[Photo via Creative Commons]
