Hong Kong authorities will double the fixed penalty for smoking offenses to HK$3,000 (about US$385) and extend no-smoking areas to within three meters of entrances and exits at sensitive venues such as hospitals, schools, child-care centers and residential care homes beginning Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
The changes, part of the phased implementation of the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, also prohibit smoking while queuing for public transport or at entryways and exits of specified public premises. The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection and Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) announced stepped-up compliance checks and enforcement to coincide with the new rules taking effect.
Manny Lam Man-chung, head of TACO, told public broadcaster RTHK on Wednesday that inspectors will take immediate action against violators in the newly designated areas without prior warnings.
“If smokers are clearly standing within three metres of an entrance, we will issue penalty tickets immediately,” Lam said, according to reports of the interview.
He emphasized that compliance should not be difficult, noting that three meters is roughly equivalent to six to seven steps for an average adult.
“Our regulations do not require a three-metre line to be delineated outside doorways although it may have to be drawn in public areas or narrow streets,” Lam added. “Through our public education efforts, we have sought to make everyone aware of the smoking ban, and if smokers want to leave this prohibited three-metre space, it is not hard to do so.”
For those passing through or standing near the boundaries of no-smoking zones during the initial enforcement phase, officers may issue verbal reminders or warnings first to foster awareness.
The increased inspections aim to heighten public consciousness and strengthen deterrence against secondhand smoke exposure, particularly near facilities serving vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
TACO has distributed no-smoking signs to affected premises and urged managers to display them prominently. The tourism and hospitality sectors have also pledged support, including distributing promotional materials and amplifying awareness through social media to inform visitors of the updated regulations.
The amendments, gazetted in September 2025, represent the latest step in Hong Kong’s long-standing efforts to curb smoking prevalence and protect public health. Earlier provisions of the ordinance, including higher penalties for illicit cigarettes and bans on supplying smoking products to those under 18, took effect immediately upon gazettal.
Additional measures, such as restrictions on alternative smoking products like e-cigarettes in public places, are scheduled for later implementation.
The government continues to promote smoking cessation services, directing residents to the Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline at 1833 183 for professional support.
