Don’t smoke in Hong Kong

If you haven’t kicked the habit yet, 2007 might be the year to quit smoking. At least think twice before you light up on any trips to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong started the new year by introducing a ban on smoking in most public places. It is now illegal to smoke in places like restaurants, work places, schools, public beaches, swimming pools, sports grounds, museums and many public parks.

Should you get caught smoking in any of those places, you’ll face a fine of up to HKD 5,000 (GBP 328, USD 642), according to Hong Kong’s Tobacco Control Office of the Department of Health.

This non-smoker has no problem with the ban. With more countries set to introduce a similar ban, I look forward to being able to enjoy a meal without smelling cigarette smoke from the table next to me. In fact, I might produce a worldmap of countries with bans on smoking in public places. A map Smintair might find useful when planning their future routes.

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