2 Hongkongers penalised as new public vaping ban takes effect

Hong Kong has begun enforcing a new law that bans the public use of alternative tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. On Thursday morning, at least two residents were penalized for vaping in Admiralty, a business district. Health authorities stated that penalty tickets will be issued without warning and that publicity will be increased in high-traffic areas. The Head of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, Dr. Manny Lam Man-chung, emphasized that the new measure is not intended to negatively impact tourism. This enforcement marks the official start of the public vaping ban in the city.