China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is set to further tighten its tobacco control rules, banning anyone from smoking or using specified alternative smoking products in public places.
The measures will take effect from Thursday. The HKSAR government has already rolled out publicity campaigns, with posters appearing across the region to raise public awareness.
Under the new measures, possession of specified alternative smoking products, including capsules and e-liquids of e-cigarettes, heat sticks, and herbal cigarettes in any public area will be banned.
The fixed fine for violation is 3,000 Hong Kong dollars, and the maximum fine is up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars and imprisonment for 6 months.
There will be no transition period or first offense exemption. Visitors to Hong Kong will be treated equally, and there will be no exemption based on tourist status.
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau emphasized that the measure is a reasonable extension of the HKSAR's ongoing tobacco control efforts.
He noted that the harm of e-cigarettes has long been underestimated.
"With e-cigarettes, because their flavor is different from traditional cigarettes and they contain many added flavors -- such as fruity tastes -- neither the users nor the people around them may fully realize the severity of the risks. They might unconsciously assume that the toxicity is relatively low. This misconception has misled many people -- both those who use e-cigarettes and those around them -- into believing that the harm is not that great," he said.
Hong Kong to further tighten tobacco control rules, banning public possession of alternative smoking products
