Staff reporters, SCMP
A 43-year-old man was ordered to perform 140 hours community service in the Kwun Tong Magistrates Court on Friday for threatening a tobacco control inspector, a Department of Health spokesman said on Friday.
The incident took place in a restaurant at Un Chau Street, Cheung Sha Wan, on March 28.
The man “criminally intimidated” the inspector when he was checking on the restaurant, the court heard.
The 43-year-old was subsequently arrested and was charged by police.
A Health Department spokesman said it was important to observe Hong Kong’s new legislation against smoking and respect people trying to enforce the laws.
“We urge the public to observe smoking prohibitions and to co-operate with law enforcement officers. Intimidation of or use of violence on enforcement officers is a serious offence and carries serious legal consequences,” he added.
Hong Kong has recently extended its ban on smoking in public places. This was after first legislating against it in some places â including restaurants and public bars â in early 2007.
From Wednesday, smoking is banned in all indoor areas at workplaces and public spaces. This includes bars, nightclubs, clubs, saunas, massage parlours and mahjong parlours.
Some industries argued the laws were too strict and would hurt their businesses because many of their customers are smokers. Some smokers believe the new laws restrict their personal freedom.
But the government said the tougher legislation is necessary to reduce tobacco consumption and curb harmful effects of passive smoking.
Around 6,000 people die of smoking-related illnesses in the territory each year, health experts say. Passive smoking is estimated to contribute to about 1,000 deaths annually.
The Health Department spokesman said: “Any person who smokes or carries a lighted tobacco product in a statutory no smoking area commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of HK$5,000.”