Tobacco Control Legislation

The updated ordinance has been passed and the following measures will take effect on 1 January 2026.

Ban on smoking while queuing

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), with effect from 1 January 2026, smoking will be prohibited in the following situations:

  • While queuing in a line of two or more persons to board a public transport carrier (such as queuing for buses, minibuses, taxis and trams) at a designated boarding location
  • While staying in the delineated area for a designated boarding location (such as areas underneath bus shelters, inside areas where queuing positions are clearly indicated at ground level, or areas with queue railings etc.)
    • irrespective of whether the person is waiting to board a public transport carrier and whether there is another person in the area
  • While queuing in a line of two or more persons, to enter a place described in Schedule 9 of Cap. 371, or while queuing within such a place. For example:
    - Cinema, theatre or concert hall
    - Civic centre
    - Community hall, community centre, activity centre or other community facility
    - Hospital
    - Museum
    - Public pleasure ground
    - Public swimming pool
    - Specified clinic or health centre
    - Stadium

Any person who contravenes the ban is liable to a fixed penalty, and the penalty level is on par with illegal smoking in a statutory NSA which is $3,000.