New phase of tobacco control measures will take effect on January 1, 2026, including extension of statutory No Smoking Areas (NSAs) to public places that lie within three metres outside the entrances/exits exclusively used for child care centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals and specified clinics or health centres; prohibition of smoking while queuing; and increase of the fixed penalty for smoking offences from $1,500 to $3,000.
No Smoking Areas (NSAs), Photo by Bastille Post
Dr. Lam Man Chung, the Head of Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, said in a radio program that although the law does not require designated areas to mark 3-meter No Smoking Areas outside the entrances/exits, he believed that the range of 3 meters is not a short distance, equivalent to about 6 to 7 steps walked by an adult. In his eyes, if smokers are aware of the law's requirements, it would not be difficult for them to leave the No Smoking Areas. He also said that if, in the early stage of the measure implementation, if smokers are found accidentally passing by or standing at the boundary of the No Smoking Areas, they will be verbally persuaded or receive warnings.
The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Photo source: reference image
Dr. Lam said that the government will promote the new tobacco control measures to tourists and communicate with the tourism and hotel industries, to see if they can cooperate for broader publicity in the ways of distributing promotional materials and using social media platforms, etc.
He also said that in the initial stage of the measure implementation, more proactive inspections would be carried out at bus stops or new regulated locations, including tourist hotspots, etc., to enhance public awareness of the new control measures as well as strengthen the enforcement and deterrence of the regulations.
Tourists celebrating the new year in Hawaii could become the first to be taxed to address the consequences of climate change.
In Utah, people who party too heartily — and get caught driving drunk — could be among the first to have their driver's licenses striped red with the label: “No Alcohol Sale.”
And motorists in Georgia could become the first to display their patriotism via the stylings of President Donald Trump with a special “America First” vehicle license plate.
The first of the year brings with it a variety of new state laws, including some that appear to contain first-of-their-kind policies, programs or procedures.
Here's a look at some of the new laws taking effect:
Many cities and states impose special taxes on hotel stays and vacation rentals. Hawaii will become the first state to hike its tourist lodging tax specifically to help cope with the effects of a changing climate.
State officials hope to use the proceeds from the additional 0.75% daily room rate tax for projects like replenishing sand on eroding beaches or removing invasive grasses similar to those that fueled a deadly wildfire on Maui in August 2023. Officials estimate the so-called “Green Fee” will generate nearly $100 million annually.
“As an island chain, Hawaii cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action. We must build resiliency now,” Democratic Gov. Josh Green said while signing the legislation earlier this past year.
Utah's already strict alcohol laws are getting even stricter. As part of a new law intended to keep alcohol away from some people convicted of drunken driving, restaurants and bars will be required to check the identification of every customer, regardless of age, before serving or selling them alcohol.
People convicted of “extreme driving under the influence” — defined as a blood alcohol content of at least 0.16% or one of several other factors — must surrender their driver's licenses. Any replacement ID will bear a prominent red stripe on the front alongside the words, “No Alcohol Sale.” Judges also will have the discretion to impose the restriction for lesser offenses, and anyone wanting to shun booze can voluntarily obtain a red-striped ID.
“While this isn’t completely bulletproof in terms of ensuring that somebody that’s alcohol-restricted isn’t going to drink, it just makes it more difficult for them,” said Republican state Rep. Steve Eliason, sponsor of the legislation.
California is targeting high prescription drug prices by getting into the business itself. It will become the first state to sell affordable insulin under its own label.
The sales come nearly three years after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a partnership with the nonprofit Civica to sell state-branded generic drugs at lower prices. The “CalRx” brand of insulin pens will be available at a recommended price of $11 per pen, or a maximum of $55 for a five-pack.
Newsom also signed legislation this past year that will require large health insurers to start capping insulin copayments at $35 per month.
An annual inflationary adjustment will raise Washington's statewide minimum wage to $17.13 an hour, making it the first state to exceed the $17 threshold.
Others aren't too far behind. The statewide minimum wage will rise to $16.94 an hour in Connecticut and $16.90 and California.
Some cities will have even higher minimum wages. The rate will rise to $21.30 an hour in Seattle and $21.65 in its suburb of Tukwila, Washington.
At least a dozen states will have minimum wages of $15 or more, including new rates set by voter-approved ballot measures in Missouri and Nebraska. By contrast, 20 other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
New specialty vehicle license plates in Georgia will display an image of the American flag with the words “America First.” The plate will cost $90 the first year and $55 to renew, compared to $20 yearly for a standard license plate.
The new license plate gives people an opportunity to “show your support for President Trump and his movement with every mile you drive,” said Republican state Sen. Steve Gooch, who sponsored the legislation.
“No other state has passed it,” Gooch said. But “I predict other states will copy our legislation next year.”
Several other states also are introducing new patriotic license plates timed to the nation's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Michigan will have a new red, white and blue license plate. South Carolina will have a liberty flag plate with the words, “Where the Revolutionary War Was Won.” Pennsylvania got a head start on the celebration earlier this year, printing a “Let Freedom Ring” license plate featuring the Liberty Bell.
Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri. Associated Press writers Jeff Amy in Atlanta; Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana; Jennifer Kelleher in Honolulu; and Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California, contributed to this report.
FILE - This Oct. 24, 2016 file photo shows dollar bills in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
FILE - California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces CalRx-branded insulin glargine pens available next Jan. 1, 2026, at a suggested retail price of no more than $55 per five-pack, or $11 per pen, during a news conference at Cedar-Sinai's Mark Goodson pharmacy in Los Angeles Oct. 16, 2025. Secretary Kim Johnson, Cal HHS Agency, middle. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
