“New year, new me” – this overplayed mantra is often repeated to signal the turning of a new leaf, frequently alongside a rapid increase of new gym memberships, but for smokers, it might mean a complete overhaul of their lifestyles come January 1.
On January 1, Hong Kong will double its fixed penalty for smoking offences from $1,500 to $3,000 and implement an extension to its existing statutory no-smoking areas, meaning that smokers will not be allowed to light up in public places that are within three metres of the entrances and exits of childcare centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals, health clinics, and health centres, in addition to numerous other locations already designated as statutory no-smoking areas. Smoking while queueing at public transport facilities, such as bus stops or taxi stands, is also prohibited, and the rule even extends to queues outside public premises, such as cinemas, concert halls, museums, and more. If you’re caught flouting the rules, expect to be slapped with a hefty fine.
Hong Kong is seriously clamping down on illegal smoking and introducing stricter measures to the city’s tobacco laws. Doubling the penalty for smoking-related offences is only one of the amendments that have been added to the Tobacco Control Legislation. Frontline inspectors from Hong Kong’s Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) are already wearing body cams as part of an active push to enforce smoking restrictions around the city. Plus, starting from April 30, 2026 onwards, the possession of e-cigarettes and alternative smoking products in public places will also be prohibited. Eventually, the ban on e-cigs and vapes will be extended to cover private venues too.
TACO has also stepped up on launching educational anti-smoking campaigns across Hong Kong through television, radio, advertisements, and social media, and directs those who are responsible for managing public premises which are designated as statutory non-smoking areas to prominently display no-smoking signs.
If you’ve been thinking about kicking that smoking habit for good and needed the right motivation, might as well go cold turkey and just do it on New Year’s Day.
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