Not a single person has been punished under the tough new smoking rules that came into effect on Sept 1 last year in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, according to the city's management office. But when a Guangzhou Daily reporter visited some restaurants and net cafes they discovered people still smoking, Guangzhou Daily reported on Sunday.

No signs are posted and waiters said they know nothing about the new tobacco control rules. They claim their boss has said nothing about a smoking ban and it would be to impossible to impose.

The national rule is that no smoking is allowed in public places and Guangzhou's rule is that restaurants and entertainment places should set smoking zone and no smoking zone. Some residents dislike the difference and expressed hope for an overall smoking ban.

May 31 is "World No-Tobacco Day" and Guangzhou is holding a series of social activities on tobacco control.