Smoking ban hits Hong Kong

A city-wide smoking ban has been introduced in Hong Kong in an effort to address its notorious air quality and improve the health of the population.

The ban began on January 1 and covers almost all public places – shops, offices, bars, restaurants and most parks and beaches. Streets are currently exempt from the ban.

France also plans to prohibit public smoking this year, but has given its citizens a month to ease into the ban, which will start in February.

Sam Bond