Anti-tobacco advocates welcomed a new draft regulation of the national smoking control for public places, but said it could still be strengthened. The draft was published on 24th this month on the website of the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, pending public consultation. The draft, made by the National Health and Family Planning Commission, would ban smoking in public places, including all types of indoor public places and outdoor spaces, from kindergartens, schools and colleges to women's and children's hospitals and fitness venues. It would also ban all forms of tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion of tobacco products, as well as certain smoking scenes in films and TV shows. It stipulates that a graphic warning on cigarette packages should cover at least half of the package space. In 2012, Australia introduced the world's toughesttobacco packaging warning messages, with all marketing and branding items removed from the packages and replaced with warnings. People said that the draft “is long awaited and in line with the international convention except for several issues”. Though it’s a major improvement, it should aim higher, such as a ban on tobacco retailers near schools. The gLAWcal Team LIBEAC project Thursday, 27November2014 (Source: China Daily)