In the event of the government introducing a total ban on smoking in public buildings, 94 percent of people said they would respect it, according to results of an online poll.
More than 17,000 people took part in the survey, which was organized by the Shanghai Health Enhancement Commission to solicit opinion on a long-running and often polarizing debate.
The demographics of those polled — including whether or not they were smokers — were not disclosed.
When asked if they would abide by the ban, 94 percent said they would on all occasions, 2 percent said they would if there were other people present, 1 percent said they would if reminded of it by a third party, and 1 percent said they would not, regardless of the situation. The remaining 2 percent expressed no opinion.
In another question, the respondents were asked about their current habits regarding smoking indoors in public.
Of those who expressed an opinion, 64 percent said they never smoke indoors, 18 percent said they don't if there are other people present, and 16 percent said they do regardless.
The commission did not make clear how non-smokers were expected to reply to the question.
In a question designed to assess people's thoughts on smoking in assorted hypothetical situations, the respondents were asked whether or not they would light up if they were outdoors, but in the presence of women and children.
In response, 94 percent said they would not, 3 percent said they might not if alerted to the presence of the women and children, and 1 percent said they would regardless.
The results did not make clear whether the respondents were themselves women or children.
The online poll was conducted amid an ongoing debate about whether or not to introduce extended restrictions on smoking on public.
The matter is likely to be resolved at the next Shanghai People's Congress.
