The city’s expanded anti-smoking regulations have been met with public understanding and cooperation since taking effect at the start of the year, according to Director of Health Ronald Lam. Speaking on a TVB programme on Sunday, Lam said that residents have largely welcomed the new rules, which since January 1 prohibit smoking while queuing for public transport and within three metres of entrances to designated venues such as schools and hospitals. The fixed penalty for violations has also doubled, rising from HK$1,500 to HK$3,000. Lam said inspectors from the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office have carried out nearly 1,600 inspections to date, issuing 162 fixed penalty notices. Of these, four were related to the newly expanded zones, specifically for smoking near hospital and clinic entrances and at tram waiting areas. Lam emphasised that clear signage is in place at all mandated locations and explained the practical application of the rules. "I'd like to emphasise that queuing is common in society, so defining what constitutes queuing is straightforward," he said. "When our inspectors enforce the law, we assess the environment to ensure that queuing is happening and that it is very clear there is a violation before we take enforcement action." Regarding the three-metre boundary around entrances, Lam said that while warnings are often given near the threshold, clear violations within the zone will be penalised. "We encourage establishments to post no-smoking signs clearly, and if a smoker is close to the three-metre mark, we usually issue warnings," he said. "So there is some flexibility, but if someone is clearly within that area, we will take action as required." The department, he said, has also ensured that around 500 trash bins with designated cigarette disposal have been placed away from no-smoking zones. Lam reiterated that the primary aim of the stricter measures is to protect the public from harmful second-hand smoke, which carries risks comparable to direct smoking. He added that authorities will continue to assess the impact of the expanded restrictions and consider further extensions in crowded areas as necessary.