Ban on possession of alternative smoking products in public takes effect
發佈日期: 2026-04-30 19:57
TVB News
The law banning the possession of alternative smoking products in public places takes effect today.
Offenders are issued fixed penalty notices in the morning for possessing heated tobacco products.
E-cigarettes in hand -- and at lips.
Day 1 of the new ban, some people could still be seen puffing e-cigarettes on Tsim Sha Tsui streets.
This woman says she thought the ban would come into force tomorrow.
Tourist MARJORIE: "By ChatGPT before the departure, we know that it's forbidden. It's the same because smoking cigarette or (e-cigarette). It's the same. If cannot then cannot, no problem."
Starting today, possession of specified alternative smoking products in public places, including e-cigarette capsules, heat sticks or herbal cigarettes,
is banned.
Those who hold a smaller quantity face a fixed penalty of 3,000 dollars.
If the quantity exceeds the specified limit -- meaning more than 5 capsules or 5 mL of substance, 100 heat sticks, or 100 herbal cigarettes, the maximum penalty is a 50,000-dollar fine and six months' imprisonment.
This morning, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office under the Department of Health stepped up publicity and enforcement around Admiralty.
Manny Lam, Head of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, says during enforcement, the products will be confiscated.
While the ban currently does not cover the smoking devices and only outlaws the content, officers may still seize the whole device as evidence, depending on the situation.
A public place is defined to include shared areas such as lobbies, staircases and corridors.
Hong Kong has already banned the import of alternative smoking products for four years.
