Hong Kong Expands No-Smoking Areas and Doubles Fines
Hong Kong’s Department of Health announced that under the 2025 Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Ordinance, fines for smoking offenses will increase to HK$3,000 (about US$385) from January 1, 2026, and no-smoking areas will be expanded. The new rules ba
Hong Kong’s Department of Health announced that under the 2025 Smoking (Public Health) Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance, starting January 1, 2026, Hong Kong will raise the fine for smoking-related offenses to HK$3,000 (about US$385) and expand no-smoking areas. The new rules prohibit smoking within three meters of the entrances and exits of childcare centers, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and designated clinics, and also ban smoking while queuing, including in public transport waiting areas and outside designated venues.
Authorities said enforcement and public education have already been strengthened at border checkpoints, tourist attractions, and transport hubs. These measures are part of a phased rollout of stricter tobacco control, following earlier steps such as higher fines for illicit cigarettes and a ban on selling cigarettes to minors under 18. From April 30, 2026, the use of e-cigarettes and other alternative smoking products in public places will be further prohibited.
