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Smoking and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law

Smoking and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law
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.


Smoking and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law


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 and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law

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?


Smoking and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law


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.


Smoking and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law

Smoking and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law


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.


Smoking and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law


Others even shared their related experience and also paid the fine:


Smoking and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law


Smoking and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law


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.


Smoking and Littering are Illegal and Why You must Never Dare the HK Law


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

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82 comments :

  1. A hefty fine, indeed. Hope it will spur him to quit smoking. Yay to one fewer smoker in the world.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi 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.

      Delete
  2. I am a clean non-smoker. Lucky for me lol. In all seriousness, I am all for countries/cities that have cleanliness laws.

    ReplyDelete
  3. huhuhu.... my husband will not survive in Hk for sure... lol....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Miera, your hubbie much bear and learn to smoke inside your bathroom when in Hong Kong. That's the safest way.

      Delete
  4. agreed . it's common sense . whoever dont know yet must read it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, dear common sense is becoming the newest luxury in the digital world.

      Delete
  5. Creating 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, 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.

      Delete
  6. i love this kind of law. Msia should enforce this too.i hate when people littering.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah and here in the Philippines too! We have a law about smoking and littering but I suggest they should hefty the fine!

      Delete
  7. Nice Information and good website Design

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dayum! 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Namrata!

      Hopefully they just avoiding it doing in Hong Kong, coz some Hong Kong police are ruthless, hahaha

      Delete
  9. Yah we must keep that in mind not only in HK but everywhere we go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Sunshine!

      We don't want to have that shameful travel experience :)

      Delete
  10. If its were in here, Malaysia, people would simply dare to smoke in front of no smoking sign. haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HAHAHAHAHA same as here Zayani! And most are yuppies doing it!

      Delete
  11. Wa!! Seriously this dude is really dare enough to asking this kind of absurd question in Facebook! Serves him right!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL I know right !

      Well, nowadays common sense is the ultimate luxury.

      Delete
  12. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Monika! I will post many Hong Kong guide that are non-touristy as you've described it :)

      Delete
  13. We 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Am glad that you've enjoyed Hong Kong. Have you tried hiking and biking too?

      Delete
  14. Wow, 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Tina.

      Travelling 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.

      Delete
  15. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I 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.

      Delete
  16. Haven't been to HK but my firends confirmed that this nation is impose strict discipline of cleanliness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, 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 :)

      Delete
  17. We 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL yeah I think so! He is stupid to ask that question.

      Delete
  18. Reading 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I 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.

      Delete
  19. I think it is great for them to be charged. It is sad that people litter so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah and will make you think how does they live in their homes if they don't bother littering, hahaha

      Delete
  20. I get so annoyed when I see people flipping their cigarette butts everywhere. It's a gross habit to begin with!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh 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!

      Delete
  21. I'm actually all for this law! There's no need to litter, ever!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah but still people don't care. So it is better to have this law.

      Delete
  22. It 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 :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In 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.

      Delete
  23. I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Stacey. You will surely love Hong Kong too!

      Delete
  24. they are super strict laws for a reason. the penalties are harsh but effective.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh 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.

      Well he is still fine, LOL

      Delete
  25. Oh man, I don't think I would EVER challenge a law in Hong Kong! Thank you for the information!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear! Please share this post so that your readers will be awake of this law.

      Delete
  26. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Street 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

      Delete
  27. Hahaha, 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh if someone can't find a trash bin, better put inside their pockets, or bags. Always bring your own plastic bags :)

      Delete
  28. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL Thank you Ami!

      I 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.

      Delete
  29. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right! Ah I wish it will also be implemented here in the Philippines.

      Delete
  30. This is a great law put in place! I hope that they will ban smoking in the future! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Smoking might not be completely ban, however everyone needs discipline to clean-up asking that stinks.

      Delete
  31. I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is for the people to have discipline, for the city to have an organized place and for the environment for a better living :)

      Delete
  32. How awesome! I got a chuckle from reading the comments and tweets!

    XOXO // Check out my latest post if you like ;)
    SINCERELY OPHELIA | SHOPAHOLIC?! Counter attack!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha me too. You see even Hong Kong expats can respect the local laws.

      Delete
  33. I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I 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.

      Delete
  34. Wow 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hong 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.

      Delete
  35. Wow. He should just pay the fine and move on lol. I have family who are guilty for such things!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paying the fine is very easy. But learn to change your attitude is way different.

      Delete
  36. I'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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. Lesson is wherever you go, you must respect the laws of every land, and the laws of nature.

      Delete
  37. I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly the point Elizabeth. Paying the fines no matter how much it costs is very easy. Changing our attitudes is a way tough for most.

      Delete
  38. Some 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I 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.

      Delete
  39. 1500 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah it is a hefty fine. But paying the fine is very easy. You can't change a bad habit.

      Delete
  40. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, 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.

      Delete
  41. It’s nice... hope to be back again in hongkong!!

    ReplyDelete

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