DH's enforcement operation "Laserflame" against illegal smoking in statutory no smoking areas of public transport facilities and Announcement of extension of statutory no smoking areas in public transport facilities
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From January 2021 to June 2025, TACO has conducted over 19 400 inspections at public transport facilities regarding smoking offences, and issued more than 9 400 fixed penalty notices/summons.
The DH also reminded the public that, effective from August 31, 10 public transport facilities (PTFs) will be newly designated as no smoking areas (NSAs), and one PTF's NSA will be revised under the Smoking (Public Health) (Designation of No Smoking Areas) (Amendment) Notice 2025.
The 10 PTFs newly designated as NSAs are:
1. Chai Wan (East) Temporary Bus Terminus;
2. Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange, Wan Chai;
3. Wong Chuk Hang Station Public Transport Facilities;
4. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port Public Transport Interchange;
5. Kwai Tsui Estate Public Transport Interchange, Kwai Chung;
6. Pak Tam Chung Bus Terminus, Sai Kung;
7. Tuen Mun Central Bus Terminus;
8. Tung Chung Development Pier Bus Terminus;
9. Yau Oi (South) Bus Terminus, Tuen Mun (temporarily closed); and
10. Yuen Long (Tak Yip Street) Bus Terminus.
The one PTF with revised NSA is Central Ferry Piers Public Transport Interchange.
To protect public health, it is the established policy of the Government to discourage smoking, contain the proliferation of tobacco use and protect the public from second-hand smoke. The Notice was gazetted on May 30 this year and will take effect on August 31, expanding the smoking ban to 272 PTFs throughout the territory.
No-smoking signs and layout plans are put up, and demarcation lines are displayed to clearly indicate the boundaries with regard to the respective physical settings at the NSAs to remind the public of the smoke-free requirements. Plans showing the boundaries of the NSAs are available in the Land Registry, and will be uploaded to the TACO's website for public inspection.
Any person who does a smoking act in NSAs or in public transport carriers will be liable for a fixed penalty of $1,500. Tobacco and Alcohol Control Inspectors will prosecute smoking offenders without prior warning.
For the sake of the health of individuals, their families and others, the Government appeals to smokers to quit smoking as early as possible. Members of the public may call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, which is operated by registered nurses to provide professional counselling services on smoking cessation.
Ends/Friday, August 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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