Hello Ladies!
And a huge shout-out to all smokers who are planning to visit Hong Kong for the first time.
This post is perfect for you, and if you have friends who are smokers let them know about this post.
We all know that smoking is a long time vice that some people have, and we know too how much it is dangerous to our health. And the worst is the secondary smokers.
You don’t know how much irritating it is that someone next to you smoking like an erupting volcano and doesn’t careless AF about others.
I know smokers already know that, but they can’t stop because smoking turns into an addiction.
Okay then granted you can’t be stopped smoking… but at least have the decency to know where to throw your cigarette butts, right?!
So in spite of these old damn facts, why on earth am sharing this post?
It all started when one weekend I was randomly browsing some elite Hong KongFacebook group online (which I am a member too), and I stumbled upon this one conversation thread.
Smoking truly bans and adding your offense for littering is such a stupid idea.
Smoking in public is banned since the 1st of January 2007, and anyone who committed this offense will be charged a fixed penalty of $1,500. Public areas include indoor areas of all restaurant premises, indoor workplaces, and all public outdoor places specified by the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance. (Source)
Littering is another public offense and it is very strictly observed in Hong Kong. Anyone who’s caught on littering will be charged a fixed fine of $1,500 for littering or spitting (Source)
And when I read his plea, I couldn’t help to burst into laughter.
Because he is literally asking the community for any ways to get away with his offense! Like, seriously, dude?
I didn’t reply to his post, as am waiting for true-blue Hongkongers to reply. And as expected, here are some of the comments and everyone is not happy about it.
The Law is the LAW. It is not an excuse that you are a tourist or locals, or even if it is your first offense.
Hong Kong Law might be harsh but there are many signs for a proper throwing of trash, and dedicated bins everywhere so it is never an excuse to be so lazy to throw your shit on the proper bins.
People got so irritated that even someone said the police should double the fine for his stupidity.
Others even shared their related experience and also paid the fine:
Am telling you, ladies and gents, wherever you are going even not in Hong Kong never ever dare litter your shits all over because it’s inappropriate. I know that we are now living in a digital and fast-pacing era but this is never an excuse to your our brains and have common sense and decency.
I believe these two words cannot be deleted.
So for Filipinos readers, if you got caught smoking in public or committed a littering offense, you will be fined $1,500 or approximately Php75,000 per offense.
Kudos to the Hong Kong police who caught that stupid dude. Serves you right!
And a huge shout-out to all smokers who are planning to visit Hong Kong for the first time.
This post is perfect for you, and if you have friends who are smokers let them know about this post.
We all know that smoking is a long time vice that some people have, and we know too how much it is dangerous to our health. And the worst is the secondary smokers.
You don’t know how much irritating it is that someone next to you smoking like an erupting volcano and doesn’t careless AF about others.
I know smokers already know that, but they can’t stop because smoking turns into an addiction.
Okay then granted you can’t be stopped smoking… but at least have the decency to know where to throw your cigarette butts, right?!
So in spite of these old damn facts, why on earth am sharing this post?
It all started when one weekend I was randomly browsing some elite Hong KongFacebook group online (which I am a member too), and I stumbled upon this one conversation thread.
Smoking truly bans and adding your offense for littering is such a stupid idea.
Smoking in public is banned since the 1st of January 2007, and anyone who committed this offense will be charged a fixed penalty of $1,500. Public areas include indoor areas of all restaurant premises, indoor workplaces, and all public outdoor places specified by the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance. (Source)
Littering is another public offense and it is very strictly observed in Hong Kong. Anyone who’s caught on littering will be charged a fixed fine of $1,500 for littering or spitting (Source)
And when I read his plea, I couldn’t help to burst into laughter.
Because he is literally asking the community for any ways to get away with his offense! Like, seriously, dude?
I didn’t reply to his post, as am waiting for true-blue Hongkongers to reply. And as expected, here are some of the comments and everyone is not happy about it.
The Law is the LAW. It is not an excuse that you are a tourist or locals, or even if it is your first offense.
Hong Kong Law might be harsh but there are many signs for a proper throwing of trash, and dedicated bins everywhere so it is never an excuse to be so lazy to throw your shit on the proper bins.
People got so irritated that even someone said the police should double the fine for his stupidity.
Others even shared their related experience and also paid the fine:
Am telling you, ladies and gents, wherever you are going even not in Hong Kong never ever dare litter your shits all over because it’s inappropriate. I know that we are now living in a digital and fast-pacing era but this is never an excuse to your our brains and have common sense and decency.
I believe these two words cannot be deleted.
Ohh by the way the fine is not in Hong Kong dollars but in US Dollars.
So for Filipinos readers, if you got caught smoking in public or committed a littering offense, you will be fined $1,500 or approximately Php75,000 per offense.
Sounds great right?!
Kudos to the Hong Kong police who caught that stupid dude. Serves you right!
xoxo, Blair
A hefty fine, indeed. Hope it will spur him to quit smoking. Yay to one fewer smoker in the world.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily, I think the hefty fine is okay. Because each time you'll think of that fine, you will be discourage to litter and smoke anywhere. Adding this the shame-culture that they give to every violators.
DeleteI am a clean non-smoker. Lucky for me lol. In all seriousness, I am all for countries/cities that have cleanliness laws.
ReplyDeleteThat's good Leo!
Deletehuhuhu.... my husband will not survive in Hk for sure... lol....
ReplyDeleteHello Miera, your hubbie much bear and learn to smoke inside your bathroom when in Hong Kong. That's the safest way.
Deleteagreed . it's common sense . whoever dont know yet must read it.
ReplyDeleteLOL, dear common sense is becoming the newest luxury in the digital world.
DeleteCreating awareness is one the best thing about blogging. I'm not a smoker but it's good to inform all the smoker about the consequence of their funny smoking attitude in public
ReplyDeleteYeah, and as a fellow traveler and jetsetter, it is not okay to just do whatever we want from the host country. Awareness is a key for a more friendly and memorable travel experience.
Deletei love this kind of law. Msia should enforce this too.i hate when people littering.
ReplyDeleteYeah and here in the Philippines too! We have a law about smoking and littering but I suggest they should hefty the fine!
DeleteNice Information and good website Design
ReplyDeleteThank you. I feel humble :)
DeleteDayum! Thank you for sharing this post and I do have friends who are smokers and literally through the butt anywhere. I wish they didn't!
ReplyDeleteThanks Namrata!
DeleteHopefully they just avoiding it doing in Hong Kong, coz some Hong Kong police are ruthless, hahaha
Yah we must keep that in mind not only in HK but everywhere we go.
ReplyDeleteI agree Sunshine!
DeleteWe don't want to have that shameful travel experience :)
If its were in here, Malaysia, people would simply dare to smoke in front of no smoking sign. haha
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAHAHA same as here Zayani! And most are yuppies doing it!
DeleteWa!! Seriously this dude is really dare enough to asking this kind of absurd question in Facebook! Serves him right!
ReplyDeleteLOL I know right !
DeleteWell, nowadays common sense is the ultimate luxury.
I think this kind of laws should be enforcedd everywhere so people start listening and obeyingg. I would love to visit HK, love your post it is so.. untapped:) �� not another touristy guide.
ReplyDeleteThank you Monika! I will post many Hong Kong guide that are non-touristy as you've described it :)
DeleteWe visited Hong Kong recently and it's one of our favorite cities in the world! My husband and I don't smoke so it shouldn't be a problem for us! And of course no one likes a dirty city, laws are enforced to keep it clean!
ReplyDeleteAm glad that you've enjoyed Hong Kong. Have you tried hiking and biking too?
DeleteWow, and can't say I'm surprised. I lived in Tokyo for 3+ years and worked in Hong Kong a lot, and also Singapore. I remember some really tough cases in Singapore for breaking the law so ... it makes sense that Hong Kong is following suit, so great that you're helping education people before they get one of these hefty fines.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tina.
DeleteTravelling is not only visiting these beautiful places or just to get an immigration stamped of approval. It is also about learning and appreciating these countries and following their laws, regardless we are locals or just their guests.
It's encouraging to see a country that takes smoking in public spaces and littering butts seriously. Having to pay such a large fine would certainly make a person think twice about breaking that law again.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Laws are there to obey and there's a good reason why. And any it is not a good attitude to throw cigarette butts or even smoke.
DeleteHaven't been to HK but my firends confirmed that this nation is impose strict discipline of cleanliness.
ReplyDeleteYeah, but if smoking can't be avoided you have to educate yourself where you can get place that is permitted to smoke. Make those places be handy on your pocket :)
DeleteWe wish smoking and littering were fined everywhere! Would love to live in a cleaner and greener city. Did this guy really think someone would actually support his plea!
ReplyDeleteLOL yeah I think so! He is stupid to ask that question.
DeleteReading this made me laugh. That guy surely doesn't have much in the way of brains. I think littering is awful and so it's good Hong Kong has strict punishments. There's just no excuse for littering.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Well if the police just let you pay the fine, then you still considered lucky. Because there are some HK police that will shame you in public in addition of paying the fine, and that's worst.
DeleteI think it is great for them to be charged. It is sad that people litter so much.
ReplyDeleteYeah and will make you think how does they live in their homes if they don't bother littering, hahaha
DeleteI get so annoyed when I see people flipping their cigarette butts everywhere. It's a gross habit to begin with!
ReplyDeleteOh I know the feeling! Even here in Manila, fellow Filipinos are disgusting! They throw their cigarette butts everywhere, while the trash bin was just an arm away... ggrrr!
DeleteI'm actually all for this law! There's no need to litter, ever!
ReplyDeleteYeah but still people don't care. So it is better to have this law.
DeleteIt seems better to prohibit smoking in certain places, such as bus stops, outdoor dining, etc. There is a need to sit down and you have to inhale the smoke if you don't change your seat. Otherwise, I just take a few steps away from the smoker. Interesting topic, thanks :)
ReplyDeleteIn Hong Kong and you are a smoker, it is advisable to list down those places that are allowed to smoke, and make those list handy, because you'll definitely get into trouble without it.
DeleteI personally this this law is awesome! I have been all over southern Europe where some of the beaches and streets are full of nasty cigarette butts YUCK! I think this laws rocks and good for Hong Kong! I want to come visit now!
ReplyDeleteThank you Stacey. You will surely love Hong Kong too!
Deletethey are super strict laws for a reason. the penalties are harsh but effective.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah very effective. My other friend was almost caught, what he did - instead of throwing it, he just swallow it the butts than pay a hefty fine.
DeleteWell he is still fine, LOL
Oh man, I don't think I would EVER challenge a law in Hong Kong! Thank you for the information!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! Please share this post so that your readers will be awake of this law.
DeleteI wish this existed in the US. I hate walking around and seeing cigarette butts everywhere. I suppose it's a good thing that in NJ there are street sweepers that come around once a week to clean the street crevices, but not everywhere I've lived has them.
ReplyDeleteStreet sweepers are also exist in Hong Kong, but it is also an advantage having this law. It makes everyone very discipline. But there are still idiot people like this guy above. Hahaha
DeleteHahaha, they got roasted for this! Good too! Hopefully this will be an example to anyone else who wants to go and drop their cigarette butts on the ground - especially when there are so many bins specifically for smokers!
ReplyDeleteOh if someone can't find a trash bin, better put inside their pockets, or bags. Always bring your own plastic bags :)
DeleteI like this law. It definitely works for people who will not learn their lesson otherwise. I enjoyed reading those conversations They were quite funny at times.
ReplyDeleteLOL Thank you Ami!
DeleteI will post more useful law from our neighbor cities :) Philippines are very lenient to this smoking law that's why there are many smokers and undisciplined people here.
That was a nice initiative from the government of HK. I believe smoking must be banned all over the world. It's dangers have been proven and I just can't believe why people still smoke.
ReplyDeleteI know right! Ah I wish it will also be implemented here in the Philippines.
DeleteThis is a great law put in place! I hope that they will ban smoking in the future! :)
ReplyDeleteSmoking might not be completely ban, however everyone needs discipline to clean-up asking that stinks.
DeleteI love these laws! I mean, this is for better environment and I feel it shows how much respect one should show to the country he is in!
ReplyDeleteIt is for the people to have discipline, for the city to have an organized place and for the environment for a better living :)
DeleteHow awesome! I got a chuckle from reading the comments and tweets!
ReplyDeleteXOXO // Check out my latest post if you like ;)
SINCERELY OPHELIA | SHOPAHOLIC?! Counter attack!
Hahaha me too. You see even Hong Kong expats can respect the local laws.
DeleteI don't know of too many places where littering is allowed. Whether you might get away with it is one thing, but never allowed. And then going to another country and feeling like you can get away with it . . . That's just silly!
ReplyDeleteI know right. Well some people thinks that they are superior and then can not be punished because they think that local laws are for locals, which is stupid.
DeleteWow this is so interesting! Didn't know about that law, here in Italy we don't have so many restrictions for smokers. The key point, law or not, should be respect, for who doesn't smoke and for the surroundings!
ReplyDeleteHong Kong is a city that is been living with many people from different cultures. And these laws are made for the sake of all the people. It must be respected in order us to be respected at citizens too.
DeleteWow. He should just pay the fine and move on lol. I have family who are guilty for such things!
ReplyDeletePaying the fine is very easy. But learn to change your attitude is way different.
DeleteI'm wondering why he even posted a question like that. I don't exactly like the way the people commented but you have to agree with them. If you're out, regardless of where you are... why would you throw trash on the street? He definitely deserved that.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Lesson is wherever you go, you must respect the laws of every land, and the laws of nature.
DeleteI was in Glasgow, Scotland, recently and my friend got an £80 on the spot fine for littering a cigarette butt. She too didn't think she'd done anything wrong. It's an attitude that really needs to change!
ReplyDeleteExactly the point Elizabeth. Paying the fines no matter how much it costs is very easy. Changing our attitudes is a way tough for most.
DeleteSome people are so dumb, right? I wish smoking could be illegal everywhere! It's so annoying when someone smokes in front of you without any care.
ReplyDeleteI know right! AS if smoking makes them hot! Did you read the smoking scandal in the recent MET Gala? That's disgusting and disrespectful for the museum and for the patrons too.
Delete1500 is a hefty fine that should fix all the "am sorry I commited a crime ignorantly" folks. BTW, Ive been to HK on way to mainland China and love the side walk food stalls.
ReplyDeleteYeah it is a hefty fine. But paying the fine is very easy. You can't change a bad habit.
DeleteI remember being in Asia. I truly do miss it, because I miss the fact that I do not have to worry about someone smoking in my face and dropping trash and stuff everywhere. It's so disrespectful to me.
ReplyDeleteYeah, in Asia with strict laws, either you just pay the hefty crazy fine, or pay the fine and be humiliated AF in public. that's awful.
DeleteIt’s nice... hope to be back again in hongkong!!
ReplyDeleteHong Kong will always wait for you :D
Delete