A Chinese man smokes in front of the national flag in Beijing. - AP

BEIJING (AP):

CUI DALIN, China's deputy sports minister, told legislators that the Beijing Olympics would inspire Chinese to live healthier lives.

Then he stepped out into a non-smoking hallway - and lit a cigarette.

The recent incident illustrates the uphill battle China faces as it prepares to take what health advocates hope will be a big step against smoking in what is the world's biggest tobacco market. A ban on smoking in most Beijing public places, similar to efforts in major North American, European and Asian cities, is expected to take effect in May, aimed at meeting China's pledge of a smoke-free Olympics.

China is home to 350 million smokers - a third of the global total. More than 150 Chinese cities already have limited restrictions, but the capital would be the first to ban smoking in all restaurants, offices and schools, said health expert Cui Xiaobo, who helped draft the regulations. The restaurant ban may be limited at first.

"There's no way it will work!" said Jin Xianchun, a co-owner of Little Jin's Seafood Restaurant, where diners were smoking up a storm as they chose live fish and shrimp from tanks. "Of course it will affect my business. ... We will try our best to enforce it, but really... ." She shook her head.