No smoking: A tobacco control officer briefs a restaurant waitress on the new anti-smoking law.

The Department of Health will launch a year-long anti-smoking campaign to educate the public on the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Ordinance 2006 to be gazetted tomorrow.

The amendment provides that smoking in most indoor areas, like restaurants, offices, markets and bars, will be banned from January 1.

Deputy Director of Health Dr Leung Ting-hung said that during the campaign, the Tobacco Control Office will adopt a multi-pronged approach to publicise the new measures.

"Through the campaign, we hope to raise public awareness of the extended statutory smoking ban, to enhance compliance in no-smoking areas and create a harmonious environment for the implementation of the new legislation," he said.

"Publicity activities, including advertisements, roving exhibitions, and distribution of pamphlets and posters will be conducted."

He said workshops and seminars on the new no-smoking requirements will also be organised for the catering and tourism, hotel and building management industries.