Beijing municipal authorities will ban both cab drivers and passengers from smoking in taxis next starting in October in an effort to promote a tobacco-free Olympics.

A smokeless taxi campaign, called "Green Taxi, Smokeless Cabs, Health for All" will promote the concept and raise public awareness of the smokeless cab rule.
Implementing the ban, however, can become difficult, as almost half of the male population smokes in Beijing, according to a survey conducted by Horizon Research Consultancy Group.
The city also plans to launch a series of tobacco-control activities, such as banning smoking on buses and other forms of public transport, before the Beijing Olympics next year, officials said.
A draft of the "Beijing 2008 Olympic smokeless work program" designates the Olympic Village, stadiums and audience stands as "no-smoking areas".
In addition, the draft bans cigarette sales in athletes' and coaches' training and living places.
The government has pledged to ban all types of tobacco advertising and promotions by 2011 in accordance with its obligations under the FCTC.