Beijing smoking ban

Banning smoking in all public places in Beijing seems to be "mission impossible".

But the city is doing what it can to keep its smoke-free Olympic games promise.

Starting from May 1, Beijing smokers will only be allowed to smoke in certain public places.

The new regulations ban smoking in sports venues, parks, on public transport and in schools.

Restaurants and hotels are exempted.

Bars, internet cafes, amusement parks and restaurants can now have separate smoking zones.

Guo XIaodong runs one of the most popular restaurants in town.

He took the ban one step further - nobody is allowed to smoke in his restaurant.

(SOUNDBITE) (MANDARIN WITH ENGLISH TRANSLATION) GUO XIAODONG, MANAGER OF THE MEIZHOU DONGPO RESTAURANT, SAYING:

"A customer may want to smoke, but he may also want to protect his wife and child in a smoke free environment. It's better for everyone. Of course some smokers feel uncomfortable, but they can smoke in their own homes. In the end you're here to eat, so most people can accept it."

The Olympic host city has pledged to restrict smoking in most public places before the Aug. 8-24 Games.

But in a city like Beijing, nearly a quarter of it's residents above the age of 15 smoke.

PTC:

Chinese cigarettes are among the cheapest in the world.

This pack costs only 30 cents to buy.

This makes it a heaven for smokers but even harder for the china's government to ban smoking in public areas.

In Beijing, I'm Kitty Bu, reporting for Reuters.

ex·empt tr.v. ex·empt·ed, ex·empt·ing, ex·empts

1. To free from an obligation, a duty, or a liability to which others are subject: exempting the disabled from military service.