As a measure to lower smoking rates and strengthen public health, smoking cessation regulations are being tightened across Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Macau.
According to the China Interfacial Newspaper and the China Daily, the Hong Kong government announced the “2025 Draft Anti-smoking Act (Amendment) Ordinance” on the 26th of last month.
Starting in January next year, if a traveler carries duty-free cigarettes in excess of 19 fees (about the level of a pack of cigarettes) when entering Hong Kong, a fine of up to 5,000 Hong Kong dollars will be imposed. The fine has been raised significantly from the previous 2,000 Hong Kong dollars.
The ordinance will be submitted to the Hong Kong Legislative Council on the 30th and will be finalized after the first and second reading. The Hong Kong government plans to apply it to all arrivals, including tourists.
Non-smoking areas will also be expanded. The revised bill calls for a ban on smoking at movie theaters, hospitals, public amusement facilities and stadiums, as well as at bus stops and train stations. At this time, “waiting” refers to a situation in which two or more people are waiting in line, and a fine of 3,000 Hong Kong dollars will be imposed for violations.
Other large cities in China are also stepping up their crackdown on smoking cessation. Shanghai recently launched a smoking cessation campaign in eight major tourist destinations, including Waitan, Yuyuan and Wukangru, where foreign tourists flock. If you are caught smoking on the street, you will be fined up to 200 yuan, and volunteers who will guide you to smoking cessation were also deployed at the scene.
Macau prohibits smoking within 10 meters of bus stops and taxi stands, and smoking in public places is subject to a fine of up to 1,500 pataka. Throwing cigarette butts on the street can also result in fines of up to 600 pataka.
Hong Kong already prohibits smoking in most public places, such as elevators, schools, parks, beaches, and public transportation. In addition, a policy to strictly regulate the amount of cigarettes you have upon entry is added, and special attention from travelers is required.
EJ SONG
US ASIA JOURNAL
