Hong Kong: smoking rules?
May 3rd, 2002, 10:46 AM
#1
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Hong Kong: smoking rules?
Hi,<BR><BR>My family and I are going to Hong Kong soon. I lived there many 15 years ago and the smoking situation was quite intense -- allowed in all restaurants and such. <BR><BR>If anyone has been there recently, can you tell me what it's like now? Specifically, I am wondering about the possiblity of going places that are smokefree (or almost).<BR><BR>I did see that the Salisbury YMCA restaurants are all non-smoking (hurray!), We are staying there anyway because of the good value, so the smokefree restaurants is a real bonus for us.<BR><BR>Two years ago we went to Spain and (esp. Barcelona) was a nightmare with the heavy smoking everywhere and absolutely no relief until we went out to the beach. I was sick the entire time we were there, so I just want to be prepared if Hong Kong is as bad as that.<BR><BR>Thanks!
May 3rd, 2002, 12:59 PM
#4
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Some places have smoking & non-smkoing section, but if the place is small, to me it doesn't really make a difference!<BR>I think what could be just as bad if you don't like smoke is the air! Air quality is getting worse & worse there, esp when it is hot and at really crowded area... Good luck!
May 3rd, 2002, 02:19 PM
#5
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Ada,<BR>I don't know about the current smoking laws in HK, but on our recent trip there, we went to several restaurants, and did not find the smoke objectionable (or noticeable), and we are non-smokers who are sensitive to this.<BR>In particular, we had dinner at the Deco Grill (on The Peak), and in a Swiss restaurant (the Swiss Chalet, if I recall), both with very pleasant food and no significant smoke problems. Also went into the Movenpick at the Peak (didn't eat there), and found that smoke was not a problem. I would also infer that smoke would not be a problem for you in any of the restaurants in the nicer hotels. The bars might be a different story.
May 4th, 2002, 08:18 AM
#7
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Sorry to be contrary (and to carry Les's comments further off topic), but I've just returned from seven weeks of residence in Beijing, and I'd have to say things have taken a turn for the worse. <BR><BR>When I arrive the heating was still on in public buildings. When it goes off this usually signifies an improvement in air quality. That it didn't improve this year is probably an indication of success in converting many boilers from coal to gas, but also demonstrates that the underlying problem is more difficult.<BR><BR>I used to recommend spring as the time to visit, but this year the winds which used to give one the occasional glimpse of blue sky (a rarity--even 'improvements' in Beijing start from a very low standard indeed) once again brought half of the Gobi with them and whipped up all the dust from the endless construction to boot. On one day in particular, the sky (and everything else) turned a lurid yellow, traffic slowed to a crawl, and everyone who could do so stayed in.<BR><BR>No sooner has the winds dropped than the pollution thickened to a soupiness I remember from a few years ago, and for two days before I left my eyes were smarting continuously. As I've had several periods of residence in Beijing over the years I thought I was used to it, but even born and bred Beijinger friends were having some difficulties.<BR><BR>Even the government's own figures, published in the Chinese papers show pollution and particulate levels at ten or more times higher than considered safe elsewhere. Visitors need fear nothing more than mild discomfort, to which they usually adjust--it's the long-term residents who need to worry.<BR><BR>Major junctions in the canyon-like streets of Central in Hong Kong can be unpleasant, but the whole of central Beijing can be like this for days at a time, and talk of improvement without further qualification forgive me, is misleading.<BR><BR>Peter N-H<BR>http://members.axion.net/~pnh!China.html
May 4th, 2002, 08:18 AM
#8
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Sorry to be contrary (and to carry Les's comments further off topic), but I've just returned from seven weeks of residence in Beijing, and I'd have to say things have taken a turn for the worse. <BR><BR>When I arrive the heating was still on in public buildings. When it goes off this usually signifies an improvement in air quality. That it didn't improve this year is probably an indication of success in converting many boilers from coal to gas, but also demonstrates that the underlying problem is more difficult.<BR><BR>I used to recommend spring as the time to visit, but this year the winds which used to give one the occasional glimpse of blue sky (a rarity--even 'improvements' in Beijing start from a very low standard indeed) once again brought half of the Gobi with them and whipped up all the dust from the endless construction to boot. On one day in particular, the sky (and everything else) turned a lurid yellow, traffic slowed to a crawl, and everyone who could do so stayed in.<BR><BR>No sooner has the winds dropped than the pollution thickened to a soupiness I remember from a few years ago, and for two days before I left my eyes were smarting continuously. As I've had several periods of residence in Beijing over the years I thought I was used to it, but even born and bred Beijinger friends were having some difficulties.<BR><BR>Even the government's own figures, published in the Chinese papers show pollution and particulate levels at ten or more times higher than considered safe elsewhere. Visitors need fear nothing more than mild discomfort, to which they usually adjust--it's the long-term residents who need to worry.<BR><BR>Major junctions in the canyon-like streets of Central in Hong Kong can be unpleasant, but the whole of central Beijing can be like this for days at a time, and talk of improvement without further qualification, forgive me, is misleading.<BR><BR>Peter N-H<BR>http://members.axion.net/~pnh!China.html
