The Government is considering amending the law to make breaches of the smoking ban fixed-penalty offences to reduce the cost of prosecution, Deputy Director of Health Dr Leung Ting-hung says.

Speaking on radio talks shows today, Dr Leung said the administration will consult the public and design a computer system to meet the change. He expected the  process would take about 18 months.

Dr Leung said so far the Tobacco Control Office had received a total of about 120 complaints and the law-enforcement process was generally smooth.

He said as the extended smoking ban had come into effect only in the last few days the public needs time to adjust to the new requirements.

Although no summonses have been issued since the ban began, the office will continue its enforcement in accordance with the new ordinance, he said.

He added the office has issued 20 prosecutions after it was empowered to carry out the prosecutions in October last year.