A shopping mall in southern China has introduced a new way to prevent people from smoking in men’s toilets. The glass door becomes transparent under one condition.
Two shopping centers in Shenzhen, Shuibei International Center and Shuibei Jinzuo Building, resorted to the new technology. They installed a special glass door that remains opaque during normal use. However, according to the South China Morning Post, it turns transparent within seconds if smoke is detected.
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A warning warns the user that the glass will reveal them if they smoke. The joke is that they might become “online famous”.
In China, Shenzhen is one of the cities that enforces a strict ban on smoking in all indoor public places. The shopping centers there are also governed by this policy.
A video of this system went viral on December 16. It has since garnered considerable praise. Many people believe that this is the only solution that can really deter smokers.
Earlier methods, such as warnings and small fines, rarely proved effective. Most people ignored them. Some users on social media now want the technology to be implemented nationwide. He thinks that smoking in public toilets can be more effectively controlled in this way.
While many people welcomed the new glass system, some expressed privacy concerns.
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According to a Jinzuo mall employee, malls began testing the glass in August. After positive feedback from shop owners and visitors, they started running them full time.
The centers have previously received many complaints about people smoking in the washrooms. So they introduced this system to solve the problem.
To avoid privacy issues, they modify the smoke sensor to only respond to real smoke, not vapor or perfume. There will also be a reset button nearby in case the glass accidentally turns transparent.
According to local media reports, the idea is not illegal, although there are legal risks. Lawyer Lu Weiguo thinks malls can be held legally responsible if the glass malfunctions and violates users’ rights, the publication added.
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Meanwhile, social media users welcomed the new technology.
“Shenzhen is truly one of the most pioneering cities in China,” SCMP quoted one of them as saying.
Another wrote: “I suggest malls also install smoke-triggered shower systems in booths.”
“We really need this kind of technology in toilets all over China. Every time I go to public toilets, I get suffocated by the smoke,” chimed in another.
Smoking ban in India
India has clear rules to control smoking. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003 restricts where people can smoke and how tobacco can be advertised. They also include strong health warnings and campaigns to protect young people.
As of October 2, 2008, smoking is completely prohibited in all public places throughout the country. This includes offices, hospitals, schools, government buildings, trains, buses, railway stations, bus stands and even open stadiums.
Owners or managers of these places must post notices that usually say “No smoking area” or “Smoking here is an offense”. They can’t keep ashtrays or matchboxes.
Violation of the rules can lead to fines, usually up to ₹200 under COTPA.
The sale of tobacco within 100 yards of any school or college is prohibited. Stores cannot sell to people under the age of 18. All packages must include large pictorial health warnings.
Almost all advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products is banned on television, movies, online platforms and even in stores. E-cigarettes are completely banned nationwide.
Interest in ‘Shopping Mall’ on Google India was high from 25 December to 27 December:
Interest in ‘Shopping Mall’ on Google India was high from 25th December to 27th December(Google India)
