Revised "Patriotic Health Regulations of Anhui Province" to come into force

The 23rd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th Anhui Provincial People's Congress voted to pass the revised "Patriotic Health Regulations of Anhui Province" (hereinafter referred to as the Regulations), which will come into force on March 1, 2021. According to the Regulations, smoking control will be strengthened, and spitting and chewing gum littering in public might face a maximum penalty of 25 yuan. The document also stipulates that every April will be set as the province's "patriotic health month", during which a variety of health promotion activities will be organized.

Public toilets to be incorporated into urban and rural infrastructure plans

In order to strengthen public sanitation management, the Regulations require governments at all levels to build public toilets with reasonable design and clear signs based on local conditions. Governments are also required to promote the construction, renovation and management of the sanitary facilities of key public places such as markets and shopping malls. Aside from that, government sectors, hotels, companies and institutions are encouraged to open their restrooms to the public. In addition, portable toilets should be set during holidays and important events in places with large crowds.

Maximum penalty of 25 yuan to be imposed for spitting and chewing gum littering

The Regulations stipulate that citizens should develop civilized and healthy hygiene habits and consciously abide by the code of conduct for public health. Whoever spits or spits chewing gum in public places shall be fined 5 to 25 yuan; Whoever defecates in public shall be fined 10 to 50 yuan.

Smoking hazards to be further controlled

The revised Regulations also explicitly emphasize the importance of smoking control, proposing to promote the construction of smoke-free party and government institutions. In the meantime, smoking is also prohibited places including primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, nurseries, other places where minors gather for activities, indoor public places, public transportation vehicles, elevator cabins, and other places where smoking is prohibited by laws and regulations.

Certain illegal conducts to be heavily punished

According to the Regulations, producing and selling meat and products of poultry, livestock, beasts and aquatic animals which have died of disease, poisoning or unknown reasons shall be prohibited.Such carcasses as well as carcasses of experimental animals should be disposed of in accordance with national regulations and must not be disposed of randomly. Illegal hunting, trading, transportation and consumption of wildlife are also banned. Those who involve in these conducts are likely to face confiscation, fines, and even detention.