The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) continued to clamp down on illegal smoking in no smoking areas by conducting another enforcement operation, codenamed "Cloudcrush", in Tsim Sha Tsui last night (September 10) and issued a total of three fixed penalty notices (FPNs).
 
     During the operation, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) carried out inspections and enforcement action at bars in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui area, and issued a total of three FPNs to persons illegally smoking waterpipes and cigarette, as well as possessing an e-cigarette capsule. TACO's investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the bars that are suspected of aiding and abetting smoking offences. TACO will also refer the cases to the Liquor Licensing Board for appropriate follow-up action.
 
     Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Ordinance), conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars or restaurants) is prohibited. The Ordinance also prohibits the possession of specified alternative smoking products (ASPs) (including e-cigarette capsules, liquids, heat sticks and herbal cigarettes) in public places. Any person contravening the above provisions is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipes) are sold, in bars or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance.
 
     In addition, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the same offence.
 
     During the inspections conducted from January 2024 to date, the DH issued a total of over 300 fixed penalty notices for smoking waterpipe tobacco illegally in indoor no smoking areas, in addition to around 150 summonses to staff of the bars for aiding and abetting smoking in indoor no smoking areas.
 
     "Members of the public must not try or continue consuming ASPs or waterpipes based on the misconception that these products contain less harmful substances. On the contrary, ASPs have been proven to emit numerous toxic substances that can lead to addiction, illness, or even death. A waterpipe is also a smoking product, and its combustion of fuel (e.g. charcoal) releases carbon monoxide. A typical one-hour waterpipe smoking session exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single conventional cigarette. Moreover, sharing a waterpipe apparatus increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis. People should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning," said the Head of TACO, Dr Manny Lam.
 
       He stressed that TACO will continue to closely monitor and rigorously enforce the law against illegal activities such as waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas, illegal sales and promotions of smoking products, as well as illegal imports of ASPs.
 
     Dr Lam urged smokers to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. Members of the public may call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit TACO's website for information on smoking cessation.

Ends/Friday, September 11, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:00

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