DH strengthens tobacco control promotion and education, working with public and visitors to create a smoke-free Hong Kong (with photos)

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     The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 30) announced that it will increase its publicity efforts in tourist areas this week to remind both members of the public and visitors to comply with Hong Kong's tobacco control laws and foster a smoke-free environment as the community celebrates National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

     To protect public health, it is the established policy of the Government to discourage smoking, contain the proliferation of tobacco use and minimise the impact of second-hand smoke on the public. In addition to public transport carriers and the indoor areas of restaurants, shopping malls and public places being designated as statutory no smoking areas (NSA), 272 public transport facilities in Hong Kong are also designated as NSAs. Any person who does a smoking act in NSAs will be liable for a fixed penalty of $1,500. Tobacco and Alcohol Control Inspectors will prosecute smoking offenders without prior warning.

     Under the laws of Hong Kong, any person bringing alternative smoking products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products into Hong Kong, commits an offence under the Import and Export Ordinance. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 was gazetted and came into effect on September 19. The new phase of tobacco control measures will be implemented in stages. The legislation prohibiting the provision of alternative smoking products and conventional smoking products to persons aged below 18 has taken effect. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment, and a fine of $25,000 respectively upon conviction.

     Furthermore, effective January 1, 2026, statutory NSAs will be extended to within three metres of the entrances and exits of child care centres, schools, residential care homes, hospitals and specified clinics or health centres. Smoking will also be prohibited while queuing to board public transport carriers or queuing to enter specified places. The fixed penalty for illegal smoking will be raised from $1,500 to $3,000.

     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/Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Issued at HKT 15:30

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The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health today (September 30) announced that it will increase its publicity efforts in tourist areas this week to remind both members of the public and visitors to comply with Hong Kong's tobacco control laws and foster a smoke-free environment as the community celebrates the National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Photo shows TACO officers distributing pamphlets on tobacco control measures to tourists at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui.