Shanghai will ban the sale of cigarettes in hospitals, government facilities and on school campuses, officials announced Monday - World No Tobacco Day.

Officials didn't say when the ban will go into effect, but they did say that health agencies will conduct stricter inspections on public venues, such as cinemas, theaters and hotels as well as waiting rooms in airports and train stations to ensure they have posted "No smoking" signs,.

Health officials said the number of smokers in Shanghai has been on the increase for the past 20 years. More than 36.5 percent of local residents above the age of 15 are smokers, while 66 percent of male adults smoke.

"Some 800,000 people die of smoking-related diseases in China every year. Smoking leads to the deaths of 12 percent of Chinese people over 40 years old," said Peng Jing, vice director of Shanghai Health Bureau.

"If we don't take effective measures, the mortality rate will increase to 2 million people in 2025 and 3 million in 2050."

Also yesterday, six local residents were named the winners of a lucky draw after taking part in the International Quit and Win contest, a stop-smoking competition.

Officials said that 3,697 residents entered for the contest in Shanghai, which joined the competition in 2000 and provided awards to local participants.

"I had smoked for more than 20 years, smoking 10 to 20 cigarettes a day. I know smoking is harmful, but it was too difficult to quit," said Zhang Hongyuan, who won first prize - a digital camera - in the lucky draw.

"This contest was a strong incentive for me." The 56-year-old company clerk said he has given up smoking for good.

The contest, which runs every two years, is open to anyone over the age of 18 who has been a daily smoker for at least one year.

(Shanghai Daily June 1, 2004)