Hong Kong to double smoking fines to HK$3,000

Hong Kong will double fines for smoking offences to HK$3,000 (US$385) and expand no-smoking areas from Jan. 1, 2026 (Thursday), under the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, the HKSAR's Department of Health (DH) said. 

A poster for the anti-smoking campaign. Image by Doubao AI

The new rules ban smoking within three meters of entrances and exits to childcare centers, schools, hospitals, residential care homes, and specified clinics, and prohibit smoking while queuing, including at public transport boarding areas and outside designated premises.

Authorities said enforcement and public education efforts have been stepped up at border checkpoints, tourist sites, and transport hubs. 

The measures are part of a phased rollout of tougher tobacco controls, following earlier steps such as higher penalties for illicit cigarettes and a ban on sales to under-18s, with a further ban on using alternative smoking products like e-cigarettes in public places set to take effect on April 30, 2026.

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Inspectors of the DH will prosecute any person who does a smoking act in no-smoking areas without prior warning. Offenders will be liable to a fixed penalty of HK$3,000.