3 December 2012
A 54-year-old man was sentenced to a fine of $2,000 in the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Court today (December 3) upon conviction of assaulting a Tobacco Control Inspector (TCI). The man was also sentenced to a penalty of $5,000 and $1,000 for failing to produce proof of identity and smoking offence respectively.
The incident took place in a restaurant in Mong Kok on September 6. The man assaulted a TCI when a team of inspectors was inspecting the premises. He was subsequently arrested and charged by the Police.
A spokesman for the Department of Health urged the public to observe the smoking ban requirements and to cooperate with law enforcement officers.
"Intimidation or use of violence on enforcement officers is a serious offence and carries serious legal consequences," the spokesman said.
As of December 2, there have been 11 cases of assaulting TCIs in 2012. From January 2007 to December 3, 2012, eight out of 34 offenders convicted of assault of TCIs were sentenced to immediate imprisonment. The maximum penalty meted out by the court was immediate imprisonment for 4 months.