Hong Kong snuffs out public puffing
From Times Wire Reports
Hong Kong became a mostly smoke-free city today, when a ban took effect on lighting up in restaurants, schools, workplaces, karaoke lounges and public areas.
Smoking is forbidden even at outdoor places such as beaches, sports venues, museums and most areas of public parks.
Violators are subject to a maximum penalty of $644.
The ban excludes nightclubs, bars, mah-jongg parlors, bathhouses and massage establishments until July 2009.
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