Cleaner air: The the indoor-area smoking ban will run from January 1.

About 320 food premises have taken part in the second Smoke-free Restaurant Open Day to prepare for the indoor-area smoking ban from January 1.

Deputy Director of Health Dr Leung Ting-hung said more eateries of different size and cuisine have joined the smoke-free restaurant list.

He said certain trades or businesses may need a longer adaptation period to prepare for the changes and to transform their mode of business.

The ban for six types of establishments - designated mahjong rooms, bars, nightclubs, bathhouses, massage establishments and mahjong-tin kau premises - will take effect July 1, 2009, if these premises comply with the prescribed requirements and apply to the Director of Health to be put on the list of qualified premises.

For details on the application procedures for ban deferment click here or call 2961 8823.