Two fined for illegal waterpipe smoking in no-smoking areas

Two individuals were fined for illegally smoking waterpipes in designated no-smoking areas, as part of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office's (TACO) enforcement operation, "Pipepurge," in Central Friday night.

During the operation last night (Mar 14), TACO officers, including plainclothes personnel, inspected a bar in Central and issued two fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for violations.

TACO is also considering prosecuting the bar operators for potentially aiding and abetting these offenses and will refer the cases to the Liquor Licensing Board for further action.

Under the relevant ordinance, smoking in statutory no-smoking areas, such as indoor sections of bars or restaurants, is prohibited, with violators facing a fixed penalty of HK$1,500.

Additionally, the ordinance imposes strict regulations on the promotion and sale of smoking products, including waterpipes, in these venues. Offenders may face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 upon summary conviction.

Venue managers are authorized to request offenders to stop smoking and can seek police assistance if the individuals do not comply.

Over the past year, TACO conducted 162 operations targeting illegal waterpipe smoking in no-smoking zones, resulting in fines for all involved. Additionally, 89 summonses were issued to staff and operators for related offenses.

"The Department of Health will continue to closely monitor and take stringent enforcement action against illegal waterpipe smoking," TACO added.

TACO's head, Fung Ying, emphasized the health risks associated with waterpipe use, noting that a typical one-hour session can expose a user to 100 to 200 times the smoke volume of a single cigarette.