Starting from Jan 1, 2026, smoking in Hong Kong will be prohibited when queuing to board public transport or at entrances to certain locations like cinemas and hospitals. Those caught violating this rule will face a fine of HK$3,000 ($386).
The ordinance defines "queuing" as waiting in a line of two or more people.
This measure is included in the proposed amendment to the Tobacco Control Legislation Bill 2025, gazetted on Friday. Smoking will also be prohibited in other designated areas like entrances to public playgrounds, sports venues, and other places.
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Other smoking control measures listed in the amendment include expanding no-smoking areas to 3 meters from the outer edge of a doorway, gateway, or other similar entrance to child care centers, hospitals, clinics or health centers under the Department of Health.
Additionally, the HKSAR government plans to amend legislation to ban the sale of conventional smoking products that contain flavorings. The first phase is expected to ban non-menthol cigarettes in the second quarter of 2027, while the second phase will be expanded to include menthol cigarettes, though a specific timeline is yet to be established.
The government will also strengthen enforcement powers to curb illicit cigarette activities, through measures such as increasing the penalties for offenses relating to untaxed tobacco and implementing bigger fines. If an individual is found carrying more than 19 duty-free cigarettes upon arrival in Hong Kong, the fixed penalty will rise from HK$2,000 to HK$5,000.
These regulations will undergo their first reading debate in the Legislative Council meeting on April 30.
Lawmaker Dennis Lam Shun-chiu expressed his support for the new smoking control measures.
Advocating for an eventual tobacco-free Hong Kong, he has called for the government to consider regulating smoking while walking in public spaces.
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Referring to data gathered during a public consultation, Lam said 85 percent of residents surveyed said they favor banning smoking while walking in public spaces.
Acknowledging that there could be potential enforcement challenges, Lam said he believes that implementing such regulations would deter people from smoking in public spaces.
He also recommended that covered pedestrian footbridges should be included in the expanded list of smoke-free zones.
Lam said he backs the revised regulations that prohibit the possession or use of specified smoking products in public spaces, adding that criminals might mix drugs such as marijuana or cocaine with e-liquids, thereby transforming e-cigarettes into tools for drug consumption.
Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com
