Hong Kong Youth Vapes on Bus, Blows Clouds Across Cabin and Sparks Controversy

Recently, a netizen named "MK's Legend" uploaded a short video on Facebook showing a young man openly vaping on the upper deck of a bus, holding what appears to be an e-cigarette and blowing clouds of vapor throughout the cabin. The video, filmed by a companion from another seat, captures the young man laughing while vaping. The clip garnered 50,000 views within a day.

The uploaded clip is only six seconds long, showing a young man in a gray jacket sitting in the right seat of the upper deck of the bus, holding a black object that seems to be an e-cigarette and taking deep puffs. He then turns to the other side and slowly exhales a large amount of vapor, which quickly disperses throughout the cabin. A companion filming from behind him is seen laughing, but no other passengers are visible, leaving it unclear if anyone complained.

It is common knowledge that smoking is prohibited on public transport in Hong Kong, and many netizens criticized the young man for lacking public morality, with some claiming "there's video evidence" and threatening to report him. Others remarked that the young man was vaping on the bus to appear "cool," labeling it as "heroism" and describing his behavior as immature.

A spokesperson for the bus company stated that drivers, station masters, and inspectors are authorized to enforce the smoking ban. If someone is found smoking on the bus, the driver can ask the smoker to extinguish their cigarette, cigar, or pipe. If the individual does not comply, the driver may ask them to leave the bus or, if necessary, call the police for assistance.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health pointed out that under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, no one is allowed to smoke in designated no-smoking areas or on public transport. Vaping in these areas is also illegal, and if inspectors find violations, they will issue an immediate fine of HKD 1,500 without warning.