The government will have to make regular reports on the drug trafficking situation and progress in drug control according to provisions in China's first drug control bill.

The draft anti-drug law, being reviewed by the August 22-27 session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, obliges the government to establish a press release system to publicize anti-drug information.

Owners or managers of public places like airports, train stations, long-distance bus stations, ports and hotels, and entertainment venues such as bars and nightclubs, will be responsible for anti-drug education on their premises and for taking preventive measures against drug trafficking.

They must report any drug-related crimes they detect to local police. Owners of bars and nightclubs are required to post anti-drug notices on their premises.

Heads of businesses that fail to comply with the law will be subject to fines of between 500 and 5,000 yuan (US$62.5 to 625).

Local governments and anti-drug committees, village and urban residents' committees, parents or supervisors of children under 18should also play a role in the anti-drug education campaign, said the bill.

Police estimate that China has more than 700,000 heroin addicts,69 percent of whom are under the age of 35.

The bill outlaws opium, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, morphine, and cocaine.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2006)