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The fixed penalty system for a smoking offence would come into effect on September 1, the same day that smoking would also be prohibited in 48 public transport facilities (PTF), a spokesman for the Department of Health said today (August 26).
Under the Fixed Penalty (Smoking Offences) Ordinance, any person who smokes or carries a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe in any designated no smoking areas or public transport carrier will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of $1,500 by enforcement officers.
"While most smokers have abided by the no smoking requirements at places where smoking is not allowed, the new measure will increase the deterrent effect and convey to the public a more consistent message on the Government's determination to enforce the smoking ban and protect non-smokers from the risk of secondhand smoke," the spokesman said.
Tobacco Control Inspectors, police officers and specified officers of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and Housing Department (HD) are authorised to issue fixed penalty notices.
Authorised officers of LCSD, FEHD and HD will enforce smoking bans in public venues under their management.
"People who have been issued with the fixed penalty notices are required to pay within 21 days or they will face a heavier penalty," the spokesman said.
Explaining the procedures of issuing of fixed penalty notices, the spokesman said enforcement officers would show their departmental identity card or warrant card for identification when executing their duties.
The offenders would be requested to provide their personal particulars for inspection and record, he said.
"Offenders would not be required to pay the fixed penalty to any enforcing officer on the spot. Instead they should pay through various prescribed channels within 21 days from the date of issue of the fixed penalty notice," he said.
Regarding the prohibition of smoking in 48 covered designated public transport facilities, the spokesman said these were areas that consist of terminuses of two or more modes of public transport or bus terminuses of two or more specified bus routes.
"The objective of the measure is to further protect the public from the harm of smoking and second-hand smoking," the spokesman said.
A List of the 48 designated public transport facilities and their gazetted plans are available at the Land Registry and TCO's website (www.tco.gov.hk) for public inspection.
The plans and no smoking signs would be displayed prominently at all 48 public transport facilities.
The spokesman said a smoking ban had already been enforced in 43 indoor public transport facilities since January 2007.
"The Government is preparing to designate about 130 open-air public transport facilities as no smoking areas," he said.
To ensure the public is well informed of the two initiatives, a series of publicity programmes was launched this month (August). They include the broadcast of TV and radio announcements in public interest as well as the display and distribution of posters, pamphlets, stickers and other publicity materials.
Ends/Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:35
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