Hong Kong to ban possession of alternative tobacco products

Hong Kong is due to ban the possession of alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes and other vaping devices in all public places from 30 April.

Offenders who violate the law may be subjected to fines of up to HK$50,000 (US$6,380), or prison terms of up to six months.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post newspaper, the ban will affect anyone found to be carrying or using more than five e-cigarette pods, 5ml of vape juice, 100 heat sticks or 100 herbal cigarette sticks in public places.

Those found carrying products of this type will be issued a fixed penalty fine of HK$3,000.

However, those found to be carrying larger quantities will be prosecuted, with convictions carrying a penalty of up to six months in prison and HK$50,000 in fines.

Further fines of up to HK$10,000 may be incurred if the detainee fails to produce valid identification, or is perceived to be obstructing an officer.

The new law marks a significant change from the previous state of affairs, where alternative smoking products were only illegal to use in designated no-smoking areas.

While the Hong Kong Department of Health has stated that it is working with the relevant authorities to notify inbound travellers of the change, the new law poses a significant risk to tourists and business travellers.

Despite this, Ronald Lam, the city’s Director of Health, stated in a recent radio interview that he did not expect the ban to impact the travel industry.

He added: “We have cooperated with other departments to carry out large-scale publicity, including posting large signs at entry ports and having inspectors from the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office distribute materials to tourists.”

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