HONG KONG, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The provision under the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 prohibiting the possession of specified alternative smoking products (ASPs), such as e-cigarette capsules and heat sticks, in public places took effect in Hong Kong on Thursday.

As enshrined in the Government Gazette in September 2025, the ordinance imposes a two-tier penalty system based on the quantity of specified ASPs held in public places, applicable to its provision prohibiting such possession.

According to the stipulations, any person who possesses specified ASPs, including e-cigarette capsules, liquids, heat sticks and herbal cigarettes, in public places is liable to a fixed penalty of 3,000 Hong Kong dollars. If the quantity possessed exceeds the specified limit or involves commercial purposes, the maximum penalty is a fine of 50,000 Hong Kong dollars and imprisonment for six months.

Lam Man Chung, head of the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, told reporters on Thursday that authorities will step up patrols and law enforcement at crowded venues in the initial phase of the new rules. Publicity campaigns will also be rolled out across communities to deepen understanding of the regulations among local residents and tourists alike. ■