Anyone carrying a vape or e-cigarettes in public in Hong Kong could now be fined, as the government wants to cut the city’s smoking rate even further.

Authorities are concerned that the products attract young people, but some fear this will push the habit underground.

Laura Westbrook reports from Hong Kong.

Hong Kong already has one of the world’s lowest smoking rates at around 8.5 per cent. The government wants to cut it further.

The city already bans the import and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes, now possessing vapes or e-cigarettes in public is banned.

Offenders are facing on-the-spot fines of $380, with harsher penalties for larger quantities.

Local media reported at least two people were penalised by authorities for using e-cigarettes as the ban took effect.

The rules also apply to tourists visiting the city. Authorities have also been working with tour agencies and airlines to step up promotion ahead of the new smoking controls.

The ban takes effect ahead of mainland China’s Labour Day “golden week” holiday. The city is expecting almost one million mainland Chinese visitors during the five-day holiday period.

A recent survey found that 55% of people who vape intend to continue doing so.

Officials say the bans aim to protect young people from developing a smoking habit.

–Channel Africa–