New tobacco control regulations targeting the use of alternative smoking products in public areas took effect on Thursday, with offenders facing a fine of up to HK$50,000 and six months in jail.

Anyone found with vapes, e-cigarettes or heated tobacco will be issued with a HK$3,000 fixed penalty notice.

Those found carrying large quantities of such products, such as more than five units of cigarette capsules or 100 units of heat sticks, will face criminal prosecution.

The head of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Manny Lam, led spot checks in Admiralty, where two residents were caught carrying heated tobacco.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Lam said the office will enhance inspections over the next fortnight, specifically targeting crowded areas and commercial districts.

“When our Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office inspectors find anyone possessing, smoking, or carrying e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, we will issue the fixed penalty notice without prior warning,” he said.

“We will review our tactics in the early phase of our inspection. We will conduct more inspections wearing uniforms with the purpose to enhance the awareness of the public about the new legislation.”

Lam added that there would be no leeway for overseas visitors, saying the office will enhance publicity efforts to ensure tourists are aware of the rules.

He noted that the sale or import of such products has been prohibited since 2022 and stressed that similar bans in places such as Thailand have not deterred tourists from visiting.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden