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DH reminds public and traders not to display smoking product advertisement
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     ýÿThe Department of Health (DH) today (March 28) reminded members of the public and traders that no person shall display or cause to be displayed any smoking product advertisement in any form according to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371). If any suspected contravention of the relevant regulation is found, appropriate follow-up action will be taken by the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH subject to the circumstances of each case.

     The TACO earlier received multiple complaints alleging a suspected smoking product advertisement displayed in a mall in Central. The TACO took follow-up actions on the complaints and conducted inspections to the subject location yesterday (March 27) and today. An installation on public display at the mall was found to contain the registered trademark text of a tobacco product brand. Related content and cigarette packaging boxes of the same brand were also found on the webpage of the mall.

     TACO inspectors have reminded the venue management about the prohibition of smoking product advertisement under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance. The relevant items were subsequently removed or covered. The venue management was also warned against further display of the tobacco advertisements at the venue and its website. The TACO is conducting follow up investigation in respect of the breach.

     ýÿAccording to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, no person shall display or cause to be displayed any smoking product advertisement in writing or other permanent or semi-permanent form. Any person who contravenes the prohibitions is liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further penalty of $1,500 for each day during which the offence continues.
 
Ends/Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Issued at HKT 20:38
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