North Korea has decided to ban smoking in public places in order to protect "the lives and health of the people" and provide "more cultured and hygienic living environments," state-run media reported Thursday.
All eyes are now on whether North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, an avid smoker whose health has been subject to speculation in the past, will set an example for his country's citizens following enactment of the "tobacco-prohibition law."
The law with 31 provisions was adopted at the plenary meeting of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, held on Wednesday, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
KCNA said legal and social controls on production and sales of cigarettes would be tightened, while penalties would be imposed on those violating the law.
Smoking would be banned on public transport, as well as in cinemas, theaters, schools and medical and commercial facilities.
North Korean media have often released photos showing Kim holding a cigarette in his hand during field inspections. Earlier this year, he was rumored to be in grave danger after surgery, as he was absent from public view for 20 days.
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