(Bloomberg, Oct 19, 2006) -- Hong Kong legislators approved a new law banning smoking in most indoor public places including restaurants starting Jan. 1, and in nightclubs and other adult- oriented venues by mid-2009.

The legislation also bars smoking in outdoor areas around hospitals and in open-air spaces that attract children, including beaches, stadiums, public parks and swimming pools from next year, the government said in an e-mailed statement.

Nightclubs, massage parlors, commercial bathhouses, mahjong parlors and some bars can delay implementation of the new law until July 1, 2009, at the latest, provided they bar people under 18 years old from their premises, the statement said.

In other jurisdictions worldwide that have barred indoor smoking, patronage at restaurants and bars has initially dropped before rebounding. Hong Kong's legislation, introduced into the Legislative Council in May 2005, also tightens regulations on tobacco advertising.

Source:Bloomberg
tag:China economy