The Centre for Health Protection said it would step up compliance checks at new non-smoking areas from Thursday as Tobacco Control Legislation Ordinance amendments take effect.

Under the new rules, the fixed penalty for smoking offences will double to HK$3,000, with the fine also applying to those who smoke while queuing for public transport or at the entryways and exits of public places.

Non-smoking areas will be extended to within three metres from the doorways of places like hospitals and government clinics, schools, residential care homes and child-care centres.

Speaking on RTHK on Wednesday, Manny Lam, who heads the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, said inspectors would take action against people who light up in these areas without giving them prior warning.

He added that it shouldn’t be difficult for smokers to abide by the new rules.

"Our regulations do not require a three-metre line to be delineated outside doorways although it may have to be drawn in public areas or narrow streets," he said.

"We all know that three metres is not a short distance, being equivalent to the distance an average adult would cover in about six to seven steps. Through our public education efforts, we have sought to make everyone aware of the smoking ban, and if smokers want to leave this prohibited three-metre space, it is not hard to do so."

As for smokers passing through or standing at the boundary of non-smoking areas, Lam said officers would consider issuing verbal reminders or warnings during the initial phase.

He explained that the increased checks are aimed at enhancing public awareness and strengthening enforcement efforts in order to boost deterrence.

Lam added that his office has distributed no-smoking signs to designated premises and encouraged managers of these locations to put up the signs.

He also said the tourism and hospitality industries have agreed to help raise tourists’ awareness of the new regulations, such as by giving away promotional material and boosting publicity on social media.