Hong Kong boosts e-cigarette ban awareness in mainland China before ‘golden week’

Hong Kong authorities have stepped up publicity with mainland Chinese media ahead of a ban on possessing alternative smoking products, including e-cigarettes, in public places, which will take effect before the Labour Day “golden week” holiday.Director of Health Ronald Lam Man-kin said on Sunday that the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office had conducted more than 11,000 inspections and issued about 2,200 HK$3,000 (US$383) fixed penalty notices so far this year. Of these, 23 were related to the expanded statutory no-smoking areas introduced in January.Since January 1, no-smoking areas have been extended to within three metres (9.8 feet) of entrances and exits to childcare centres, residential care homes, schools, hospitals and designated clinics or health centres. Smoking is also banned at designated public transport boarding points when people are queuing in groups of two or more.“The figure is not that high under our frequent inspection. It shows that the public generally understands, accepts and supports the measures. We have stepped up law enforcement, and it has yielded results,” Lam told a radio show.From April 30, authorities will also ban the possession of alternative smoking products in public places, ahead of the holiday from May 1 to 5.Lam said publicity at airports and land checkpoints had been stepped up, with officers distributing leaflets to visitors. He added authorities had also worked with mainland media and Hong Kong’s travel sector to promote the new rules.“It appears that tourists have a strong demand for Hong Kong’s hotels during the golden week holiday. We do not think the new rule will have a particular impact on travellers,” he said.