By DPA
Hong Kong : Legislators on the city's health services panel Friday approved a proposal to impose a 1,500 Hong Kong dollar ($191) fixed fine for anyone who breaches tough new anti-smoking laws.
They also called for police to be drafted in to back up the teams of tobacco control officers given the responsibility of enforcing the no-smoking policy.
Smoking was banned in all pubs and restaurants as well as public parks in Hong Kong on January 1 but offenders must currently be taken to court where the top fine is 5,000 Hong Kong dollars (640 US dollars).
A 1,500 Hong Kong dollar spot fine would bring the penalty for smoking in public in line with the existing fixed penalty for dropping litter and spitting in the street.
SUPPORT TWOCIRCLES
HELP SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND NON-PROFIT MEDIA. DONATE HERE