Effective January 1, 2007, the vast majority of indoor areas of workplaces and public places, such as restaurants, offices, schools, hospitals, markets, karaokes and bars which are frequented by people of different ages are required to ban smoking.

Six types of “qualified establishments”, namely, nightclubs, commercial bathhouses, massage establishments, mahjong parlors, designated mahjong rooms in clubs and certain bars, may implement the smoking ban by July 1, 2009 the latest. However, they must restrict entry to people aged 18 and above.

The smoking ban is also imposed on certain outdoor areas, including:

• open areas of hospitals (whether public and private);
• open areas of all schools, including university campuses;
• public bathing beaches;
• public swimming pools (pool areas and spectator stands);
• Hong Kong Stadium and Mongkok Stadium (turf pitch areas and spectator stands);
• public transport interchanges;
• Hong Kong Wetland Park; and
• escalators.

Smoking is also prohibited in living accommodation provided by an employer to two or more employees, except private dwellings where employers and employees live together, such as accommodation provided for employees (domestic helpers) within the employer's own residence.