The Legislative Council of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Thursday approved a law entitled the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2005, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2007.

The smoking ban will take place in such places as restaurants, offices, schools, hospitals, markets, karaoke parlors and bars.

Hong Kong Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said six types of "qualified establishments", which include nightclubs, commercial bathhouses, massage establishments, mahjong parlors, designated mahjong rooms in clubs, and certain bars, will implement the ban by July 1, 2009, at the latest. However, they must restrict entry to people aged 18 and above.

Within any public pleasure ground, under section 107(3) of the Public Health and Municipal Service Ordinance (other than bathing beaches), the smoking ban will not apply to smoking areas to be specified by the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services.

The smoking ban will also be imposed in certain outdoor areas, including open areas of hospitals (public and private), open areas of all schools, public transport interchanges, escalators, and so on.

Smoking will also be prohibited in living accommodation provided by an employer to two or more employees, except private dwellings where employers and employees live together, such as accommodation provided for employees (domestic helpers) within the employer's own residence.

For transport interchanges, the amendment ordinance will empower the Director of Health to designate as a no smoking area.

A fixed penalty system for smoking offenses will also be introduced. The amendment ordinance also gives the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food authority in appointing inspectors to take enforcement action.

The new law removes the statutory requirement for managers to display no-smoking signs. Managers of no-smoking areas will have the flexibility to decide where and how to post signs or make other arrangements to remind users of the prohibition.

The amendment ordinance prohibits the display of descriptive words on tobacco packets and retail containers which may have misleading or deceptive effects. It also stipulates that health warnings must be displayed on tobacco packets and retail containers.

The grace period given to licensed hawkers for display of tobacco advertising will be extended to Nov. 1, 2009.

Speaking at the resumption debate on the second reading of the bill in the Legislative Council, Hong Kong Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food York Chow said that Tobacco Control Office inspectors will act on reports and complaints and target strategic blackspots to enhance inspection and enforcement.

Chow said the office will launch a series of publicity and education activities to make known the legislative requirements.

The office will also promote its tobacco cessation service. It will continue to work with the Tobacco Control (Smoke-free Restaurants) Working Group to publicize the new legislative requirements within the catering industry.

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2006)