Inspectors from the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office will begin checking new non-smoking areas after the government's new anti-smoking regulations came into effect on Thursday, as part of an enhanced campaign that will last two weeks.

Under the new rules, people are banned from smoking while queuing for public transport or at the entrance of 18 types of public spaces.

Speaking after an inspection visit in Tsim Sha Tsui, the head of the office, Dr Manny Lam, said there had been no violations so far.

He said around 120 frontline staff would carry out more frequent compliance checks over the next two weeks to boost public awareness.

"At least 10 to 20 inspectors will carry out spot checks daily," Lam said.

"We hope the enhanced inspections will raise public awareness and strengthen the deterrent effect.

"We will inspect places with higher foot traffic, such as bus stops or the doorways of designated premises."

Lam said the office also wanted to educate tourists about the new rules.

"We would like to enhance their awareness when they are travelling in Hong Kong. We maintain very close communications and relationships with the hotel and tourism sectors," he said.

"We have also developed simple infographic guides for the tourists... Also we have stepped up publicity activities at boundary control points through display of publicity materials."

The fixed penalty for smoking has doubled to HK$3,000, and there is a ban on smoking within three metres of the doorways of hospitals, government clinics, schools, residential care homes, and childcare centres.