No smoking: Tobacco control inspectors distribute leaflets in a Chinese restaurant on the extended smoking ban.

Tobacco control inspectors carried out operations throughout New Year��s Eve and will continue during the New Year to help customers and venue managers adapt to a smoke-free environment, says Deputy Director of Health Dr Leung Ting-hung.

Taking effect from January 1, the legal amendments extend the smoking ban to most indoor areas and all indoor areas of workplaces, public places, restaurants, bars for all ages, and karaoke lounges. The inspectors are empowered to take action against those breaching the new laws.

Broad coverage

The no-smoking areas also cover indoor areas of public markets, hawker bazaars, cooked-food hawker bazaars, refuse collection points and public toilets under the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department.

The ban also applies to beaches, swimming pools, stadiums, sports grounds, sports centres, museums, libraries, civic centres, and most public leisure grounds under the Leisure & Cultural Services Department.

Speaking to reporters today, Dr Leung said the inspectors visited a number of venues of varying size and nature, including restaurants, bars, karaoke lounges and shops.

They will continue with publicity and education activities as well as taking enforcement action to promote a smoke-free environment and the new legislative requirements, he said.

Upon receiving a complaint, the Tobacco Control Office will investigate whether the establishment in question is complying with the smoking ban.

Breaching the ban may result in the removal of the name and address of the establishment from the list of qualified establishments by the Director of Health, Dr Leung added.