Hong Kong authorities have stepped up enforcement following the implementation of the "Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025", which came into effect on April 30, banning the possession of alternative smoking products in public places.
Under the new law, individuals are prohibited from carrying specified alternative smoking products—including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes—in public areas.
Offenders face a fixed penalty starting at HK$3,000, with maximum penalties of HK$50,000 and six months' imprisonment.
As of 5 p.m. on April 30, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office had conducted 137 inspections and issued 12 fixed penalty notices for illegal smoking. Among them, four cases involved possession of alternative smoking products in public places, with total fines amounting to HK$12,000.
Speaking on a radio program on May 1, the office's head, Lam Man-chung, said that enforcement officers would remove e-liquids and cartridges from vaping devices during inspections, as the law prohibits their possession in public. For all-in-one devices, the entire unit would be confiscated.
Lam added that, following the issuance of the four penalty notices, authorities would continue inspections across various locations, including crowded areas. Public education efforts would also continue to ensure residents understand and comply with the law, as well as the health risks associated with such products.
He emphasized that alternative smoking products contain nicotine and are not "harm-reduction" tools, nor do they assist with smoking cessation.
When asked whether the ban might lead more people to switch from e-cigarettes to traditional tobacco products, Lam said many smokers use both forms simultaneously. He stressed that tobacco control requires a multi-pronged approach, including providing smoking cessation support.
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