Smoking ban to take effect at all Hong Kong construction sites from 17 July 2026

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Contractors and subcontractors will be required to take all reasonable steps to prevent smoking at construction sites.

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council (LegCo) has passed legislative amendments to prohibit smoking at all construction sites. The new requirements will take effect on 17 July 2026.

Under the amended regulations, smoking at a construction site will constitute an offence. Occupational Safety Officers from the Labour Department (LD) will be empowered to issue fixed penalty notices carrying a fine of HK$3,000.

The new requirements apply to all types of construction sites, including building maintenance sites. The only exceptions are domestic premises and private quarters that are occupied by residents for residential purposes.

In addition to banning smoking by individuals, the legislation places responsibilities on contractors and subcontractors. They must take all reasonable steps to ensure that no person smokes or carries a lighted specified smoking product; or uses a naked light for lighting a specified smoking product in a construction site.

Contractors or subcontractors who fail to comply may be liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of HK$400,000.

Where smoking at a construction site creates a catastrophic fire risk, the LD may invoke additional enforcement provisions and prosecute the proprietor or employee involved. Upon summary conviction:

• A proprietor may be fined up to HK$3mn and sentenced to six months' imprisonment; and
• An employee may be fined up to HK$150,000 and sentenced to six months' imprisonment.

The legislative amendments were proposed following the fatal fire in Tai Po in November 2025, with the aim of further reducing fire risks and strengthening construction-site safety.