Hong Kong’s hygiene authorities are investigating two officers caught smoking in public while in uniform, an act that is strictly prohibited, adding that such behaviour will result in disciplinary action.

A viral clip circulating on social media platform Threads shows two men in uniform smoking cigarettes in what appears to be a back alley during daytime.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department confirmed on Monday evening that the men seen in the video clip belonged to one of its district hawker control task forces.

A spokesman said the incident took place in early June.

Staff are banned from smoking while in uniform and in public spaces under established departmental regulations, he said, adding that a disciplinary investigation had been initiated.

“The department attaches great importance to the discipline and professional conduct of its staff,” the spokesman said. “Any behaviour that violates departmental disciplinary requirements will be followed up on strictly.”