Cigarette vendors in Beijing have been ordered to remove 300 posters, awnings and other advertisements for overseas tobacco brands which were said to be illegal by the local authorities

City commercial affairs officials have reportedly investigated the activities of the Beijing representatives of British American Tobacco Co., Japan Tobacco Co. and other cigarette manufacturers, for evidence they have violated local advertising codes. The announcement follows a nationwide attempt to limit cigarette advertising, which the government health authorities in Beijing are increasingly blaming for health problems. The Chinese government has also announced that it is to close 70 cigarette plants over the next five years, either because they are unprofitable or because they will be merged with other larger and more productive companies.