Explainer | Will Hong Kong’s tobacco control bill cut smoking rates or hurt city’s attractiveness?
The Post breaks down how the bill’s passage will affect smokers and gauges where city stands with regional neighbours in restrictiveness
Hong Kong recently passed a controversial tobacco control bill that sought to further reduce the city’s smoking rate, prompting some lawmakers to raise concerns about the possible impact on tourism and the illicit cigarette trade.
The bill covers eight of the 10 tobacco control measures raised by the government in June last year, including a ban on the possession or use of alternative smoking products in public by April 30 of next year, and the sale of flavoured cigarettes other than menthol in 2027.
The Post breaks down how the bill’s passage will affect smokers, and compares the city with its regional neighbours.
1. When do key measures take effect?
Effective immediately, the penalty for offences involving untaxed or illicit cigarettes has been increased from a HK$1 million (US$128,500) fine and two years' imprisonment to a HK$2 million fine and seven years’ imprisonment.
Starting from January 1, smoking will be prohibited at designated boarding points for public transport when waiting in a queue of two or more people. Designated boarding points include bus shelters.
It will also be prohibited to smoke while queuing to enter other designated areas such as hospitals, public swimming pools, sports stadiums and theme parks.
The possession or use of alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes in public places will be prohibited beginning on April 30, 2026. Those found possessing small amounts of e-liquid will face a HK$3,000 fine.