Three fixed penalty notices dished out in crackdown on illegal waterpipe smoking

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health conducted an enforcement operation against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas in Tsim Sha Tsui on Friday night, issuing a total of three fixed penalty notices to persons illegally smoking waterpipes in a bar.

The office said its investigation is ongoing and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the bar who are suspected of contravening the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance and the Criminal Procedure Ordinance for aiding and abetting smoking offenses. It will also notify the Liquor Licensing Board of the above-mentioned violation.

Last year, the office conducted 162 operations against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas. A total of 162 fixed penalty notices were issued against smoking offenders.

Members of the public were reminded that waterpipe is also a smoking product, with users usually inhaling more toxins than they would when smoking cigarettes.