Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​A man was sentenced today (April 24) at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts to four months’ imprisonment for illegally importing 52 800 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.

     The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 23) that 52 800 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from the Chinese Mainland. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.

Since the amendments to the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors, took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 24 cases involving importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Twenty-seven persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to eight months.

According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.

In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH’s Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (April 24) invited interested commercial entities or groups to submit expression of interest (EOI) for the development of three designated public beaches under its management into recreational, leisure and aquatic venues by introducing market-based business models. The designated beaches are Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach in Tsuen Wan District, Butterfly Beach in Tuen Mun District and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District.
 
     The 2025 Policy Address announced that the LCSD would explore the feasibility of engaging the market and select some public beaches as pilot sites, with a view to exploring the possibility of leveraging market forces and adopting commercial operations to enhance beach facilities and developing pilot beaches into recreational, leisure and aquatic venues, thereby attracting more tourists and members of the public.
 
     The LCSD is inviting views from the market. Interested commercial entities or groups are invited to put forward feasible proposals for the introduction of market-based business models into the designated beaches. The feedback and information gathered will assist the LCSD in formulating the way forward and future operation details of the relevant venues. The EOI invitation document is available on the LCSD website. Interested parties should submit their EOI by June 18 (Thursday). The LCSD will conduct a briefing session at the Audio-Visual Room, 1/F, Leisure and Cultural Services Headquarters, 1-3 Pai Tau Street, Sha Tin, New Territories, at 2pm on May 26 (Tuesday).
 
     For enquiries, please email the LCSD at avu@lcsd.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (April 24) invited interested commercial entities and non-profit organisations to submit expression of interest (EOI) for the development of the Lei Yue Mun Park holiday camp into a recreational and leisure venue by introducing market-based business models.
 
     The 2025 Policy Address announced that the LCSD would explore the feasibility of engaging the market to enhance the operation and development of the Lei Yue Mun Park holiday camp into a recreational and leisure hotspot, thereby attracting more tourists and members of the public.
 
     The LCSD is inviting views from the market. Interested commercial entities and non-profit organisations are invited to put forward feasible proposals for the introduction of market-based business models into the entire holiday camp. The feedback and information gathered will assist the LCSD in formulating the way forward and future operation details of the relevant venue. The EOI invitation document is available on the LCSD website. Interested parties should submit their EOI by June 10 (Wednesday). The LCSD will conduct a briefing session at the Recreation Centre, Lei Yue Mun Park holiday camp, 75 Chai Wan Road, Hong Kong, at 3pm on May 11 (Monday).
 
     For enquiries, please email the LCSD at lymp@lcsd.gov.hk.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3