Hong Kong authorities are considering changing the proposed fine for smoking on a construction site to a fixed penalty of HK$3,000 (US$385) rather than a maximum of HK$150,000.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said on Tuesday that the initial plan was to amend the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, which only stipulates the maximum fine to be determined by the courts rather than a fixed amount.
The proposed smoking ban is in response to the deadly Tai Po blaze in November at Wang Fuk Court, which had been undergoing renovations.
“While many construction workers have expressed agreement with the comprehensive smoking ban on construction sites … they have raised concerns, stating that if the maximum penalty is set at HK$150,000, they’ll feel apprehensive,” Sun said.
“Certain concerns are valid. We must allow more time to thoroughly consider the details, work through the specifics and ensure each step is viable.”
He said the government was “actively looking at” a solution that addressed such concerns.
Sun said that one option would be to align the fine with the existing HK$3,000 penalty under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance. He added that he was heartened to see the industry agree with the fine.
