The smoking ban will take place in such places as restaurants, offices, schools, hospitals, markets, karaoke parlors and bars.
Hong Kong Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said six types of "qualified establishments", which include nightclubs, commercial bathhouses, massage establishments, mahjong parlors, designated mahjong rooms in clubs, and certain bars, will implement the ban by July 1, 2009, at the latest. However, they must restrict entry to people aged 18 and above.
