Public smoking in China’s capital, Beijing, is banned after the introduction of a new law. China has over 300 million smokers and more than a million Chinese die from smoking-related illnesses every year, BBC reports.

Smoking bans already existed in China, but have largely failed to crack down on the habit.

These tougher regulations, enforced by thousands of inspectors, ban lighting up in restaurants, offices and on public transport in Beijing.

Ministry of Health guidelines published in 2011 banned smoking in all public spaces nationwide such as hotels and restaurants.The rules were vague, however, and often flouted by Chinese smokers who are accustomed to lighting up at will.

The new rules were agreed by lawmakers in November 2014 but only came into effect on 1 June.

Under the legislation lawbreakers in Beijing will be fined 200 yuan ($32) and businesses that turn a blind eye could be fined up to 10,000 yuan.

Adapted from BBC