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Hong Kong Imposes Heavy Fine on Smokers

Legislators in Hong Kong on Friday approved a proposal to impose a 1,500 Hong Kong dollar ($191) fixed fine for anyone who breaches tough new anti-smoking laws.

Legislators on the city's health services panel Friday approved a proposal to impose a 1,500 Hong Kong dollar ($191) fixed fine for anyone who breaches tough new anti-smoking laws.

They also called for police to be drafted in to back up the teams of tobacco control officers given the responsibility of enforcing the no-smoking policy.

Smoking was banned in all pubs and restaurants as well as public parks in Hong Kong on January 1 but offenders must currently be taken to court where the top fine is 5,000 Hong Kong dollars (640 US dollars).

A 1,500 Hong Kong dollar spot fine would bring the penalty for smoking in public in line with the existing fixed penalty for dropping litter and spitting in the street.

Source-IANS
SRM/M


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