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Watchdog probes action over smoking-ban breach

http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1247567-20160310.htm

The Ombudsman on Thursday launched an investigation into the handling of smoking offences in prohibited areas by the Food and Health Bureau and the Department of Health.

The watchdog said it is aware of media reports and public complaints about ineffective implementation of smoking ban in some places.

The complaints had to do with the Department of Health’s failure to respond quickly or deploy plain-clothes officers to conduct inspections. Other statutory authorities, such as the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the police also came under fire for failing to co-operate with the Tobacco Control Office.

As a result, many people continue to be subjected to second-hand smoke.

The Ombudsman, Connie Lau, said the shortcomings call into question the efficiency of the government’s overall tobacco control policy.

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