The Smoking Ordinance (Hong Kong)
Encyclopedia
The Smoking Ordinance is a law in Hong Kong
enacted in 1982 for smoking bans and regulation of sales of tobacco products. It has been amended several times ever since and the latest substantial amendment, known as the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Ordinance 2006, was passed by the Legislative Council
on 19 October 2006, and gazetted on 27 October 2006.
The 2006 amendment was delayed for six years due to the efforts of the Liberal Party
. The law only managed to pass by the government acceding to the Liberal Party's demands for smoking exemptions (expired August 2009). Any licensed bar and karaoke could apply under a paper exercise to receive "Qualified Establishment" status, which was granted by the Department of Health
.
The Smoking Ban, as it is commonly referred to, bans smoking indoors in restaurants which sell more food than liquor, indoor workplaces other than exempted bars, mahjong
parlours, saunas and karaoke
centres, schools, as well as beaches, swimming pools, sports grounds and most public parks. The latest extension of the ban came into force on 1 January 2007. The establishments exempt from the ban would have to be smoke free by August 2009. The law also empowers the government to designate certain public areas, mainly public transport interchanges, as no-smoking areas. The first group of such places went smoke-free on 1 September 2009.
Apart from a smoking ban in public places, the newly revised ordinance also imposes more stringent restrictions on sale of tobacco products. Packets must bear health warnings that contain images portraying consequences of smoking.
Subsequently, a bill was presented to the same Legislative Council that streamlined the penalty procedures for someone caught flouting the smoking ban and made it on par with littering offences. The bill was passed on 2008 and took effect on 1 September 2009. Under the new law, anyone caught smoking in prohibited areas would receive a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
enacted in 1982 for smoking bans and regulation of sales of tobacco products. It has been amended several times ever since and the latest substantial amendment, known as the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Ordinance 2006, was passed by the Legislative Council
Legislative Council of Hong Kong
The Legislative Council is the unicameral legislature of Hong Kong.-History:The Legislative Council of Hong Kong was set up in 1843 as a colonial legislature under British rule...
on 19 October 2006, and gazetted on 27 October 2006.
The 2006 amendment was delayed for six years due to the efforts of the Liberal Party
Liberal Party (Hong Kong)
Liberal Party is a business-friendly liberal conservative political party in Hong Kong.-Party beliefs:The party is known for its conservative and business-friendly policies. Despite being a political party friendly with Beijing, it fits in the centre-right political spectrum...
. The law only managed to pass by the government acceding to the Liberal Party's demands for smoking exemptions (expired August 2009). Any licensed bar and karaoke could apply under a paper exercise to receive "Qualified Establishment" status, which was granted by the Department of Health
Department of Health (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong's Department of Health is responsible for healthcare policies and the provision of basic healthcare services. The public hospitals are managed by the Department's Hospital Authority...
.
The Smoking Ban, as it is commonly referred to, bans smoking indoors in restaurants which sell more food than liquor, indoor workplaces other than exempted bars, mahjong
Mahjong
Mahjong, sometimes spelled Mah Jongg, is a game that originated in China, commonly played by four players...
parlours, saunas and karaoke
Karaoke
is a form of interactive entertainment or video game in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music using a microphone and public address system. The music is typically a well-known pop song minus the lead vocal. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol,...
centres, schools, as well as beaches, swimming pools, sports grounds and most public parks. The latest extension of the ban came into force on 1 January 2007. The establishments exempt from the ban would have to be smoke free by August 2009. The law also empowers the government to designate certain public areas, mainly public transport interchanges, as no-smoking areas. The first group of such places went smoke-free on 1 September 2009.
Apart from a smoking ban in public places, the newly revised ordinance also imposes more stringent restrictions on sale of tobacco products. Packets must bear health warnings that contain images portraying consequences of smoking.
Subsequently, a bill was presented to the same Legislative Council that streamlined the penalty procedures for someone caught flouting the smoking ban and made it on par with littering offences. The bill was passed on 2008 and took effect on 1 September 2009. Under the new law, anyone caught smoking in prohibited areas would receive a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.