The fixed penalty system for smoking offenses in Hong Kong will take effect on Sept. 1, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced Wednesday.

Under the Fixed Penalty (Smoking Offenses) Ordinance, enforcement officers will issue a 1,500 HK dollars (US$193) fixed penalty notice to anyone who smokes or carries a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe in any designated no-smoking area or public transport carrier, said the Government in a statement.

These people must pay within 21 days or face a heavier penalty, according to the statement.

Tobacco control inspectors, Police and specified officers of the Leisure and Cultural Services, Food and Environmental Hygiene and Housing Departments are authorized to issue fixed penalty notices and to enforce smoking bans.

The Tobacco Control Office has drawn up guidelines for anti- smoking enforcement and drafted an operation manual on the fixed penalty system. Enforcement training seminars have been held since March for staff who will enforce the anti-smoking law.

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