The Department of Health today reminded the public that the amendments relating to smoking offences under the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will take effect on January 1, 2026, including the fixed penalty hike.

The three amendments cover the 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, including queuing to board a public transport carrier at a designated boarding location, staying in the delineated area for a designated boarding location, while queuing to enter specified premises, or while queuing within specified premises; and an increase of the fixed penalty for smoking offences from $1,500 to $3,000.

The department's Tobacco & Alcohol Control Inspectors will prosecute individuals who smoke in NSAs without prior warning. Offenders will be liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000.

The Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office (TACO) has also issued implementation guidelines and enhanced interdepartmental co-ordination mechanisms for the new offences under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance to ensure smoother enforcement.

Briefings have been held for venue managers to explain the details of the amendment and their enforcement.

Beyond enforcement, TACO continues to promote smoking prevention and cessation services, including conducting smoke-free publicity and education in the community to raise public awareness of smoking hazards.

The new tobacco control measures will be implemented in phases. Among them, the increased penalties for illicit cigarettes and the prohibition on provision of smoking products to people under the age of 18 have already taken effect upon the Amendment Ordinance's gazettal on September 19, 2025.

The provision prohibiting the possession of alternative smoking product substances, such as e-cigarette liquids, cartridges and heat sticks in public places will take effect on April 30, 2026.

The public can call the smoking cessation hotline at 1833 183 which is answered by registered nurses who provide professional counselling and referral to a wide range of free smoking cessation services.