The percentage of smokers who support the latest ban on smoking in China's capital city has reduced significantly since the directive came into effect about four months ago, according to a recent study.

Cui Xiaonong, a doctor and researcher, who conducted the survey for the Chinese Association on Tobacco Control (CATC) before and after the ban was implemented, revealed on Tuesday that whereas up to 95 percent of the smokers in Beijing supported the ban, now only 70 percent of them do, according to Global Times.

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Cui explained that more smokers are withdrawing support for the ban because it has made it impossible for them to easily light up in public places.

Beijing's smoking ban, which came into effect on June 1, outlawed smoking in public places with roofs such as offices, restaurants as well as trains and buses. The law also prohibited the sale and smoking of cigarettes around schools.

Beijing authorities have set up a help line, as well as social media pages for people to report smokers who are violating the ban. This has been a critical source of information for enforcers. Thousands of volunteers have also been recruited to augment the city's law enforcers, who patrol the city to discourage smoking and apprehend people flouting the ban.

Thousands of individuals and companies have been caught violating the smoking ban since it came into effect. Authorities have amassed more than 400,000 yuan in fines from individuals and companies. While individuals are liable to be fined about 200 yuan (about $31), companies stand to be fined up to 10,000 yuan (about $1,567) for allowing people smoke in their premises.

The fight against smoking is vital for the country since billions are spent on smoking-related illnesses annually. There are estimated to be about 4 million smokers in China. Every year, more than one million people die in the country from smoking-related illnesses. Experts say about ten percent of the annual smoking deaths in the country comes from second-hand smoke exposure.

Many people in Beijing agree that the ban has had a positive effect on the environment.

TagsChina Smoking Ban, Beijing Smoking Ban 2015, Beijing Smoking Law, Beijing Smoking Ban Poses a Challenge