Smoking at 1,200 public pleasure grounds will be banned from January 1, while smoking areas occupying no more than 1% of the venue size have been specified in 195 venues and smoking will be allowed in about 60 small-scale venues, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department says.

With the district councils' participation in the management of some department district facilities from 2007, the department consulted the 18 district councils on the arrangement. Smoking will be prohibited on beaches, in public swimming pools, stadia, sports grounds, sports centres, and most parks and playgrounds.

Notices will be posted at the entrances to these grounds to indicate whether smoking is prohibited. For the venues with specified smoking areas, there will be directional maps and signs to indicate the location of such areas. Related information can be found here.

Clear notices

Smoking bans will continue to be implemented in the indoor areas of all civic centres, museums and libraries. As for the outdoor areas of cultural venues where the prevailing legislation applies, smoking and no-smoking areas will be specified in accordance with the geographic environment. Clear notices will also be posted.

People should pay attention to the smoking ban notices and be co-operative. The department will closely monitor the implementation of the smoking ban after January 1 and review the arrangements. If necessary, the department may revise arrangements in accordance with the views of respective district councils as well as the actual implementation situation in the districts.

People found smoking inside the smoke free areas will be advised to stop by venue staff. For those who are unco-operative, venue staff will refer the case to the Tobacco Control Office for follow-up action.