Nearly 1,000 smokers have expressed frustration over Hong Kong’s tightening tobacco control policies, with many arguing that the measures infringe on their freedom of choice and harm the city’s vibrancy, according to advocacy group Smokers Insight.
The organization collected nearly 1,000 responses during a month-long online survey starting April 1, compiling the feedback into over 700 emails sent to government officials and legislators.
The survey revealed that 25 percent of respondents believe tobacco restrictions have "made Hong Kong lose its vibrancy," while nearly 24 percent insisted that adults should maintain the right to choose tobacco products.
Other major concerns included the prevalence of illicit cigarettes (24 percent) and high tobacco taxes (23 percent).
Group spokesperson Harris Yeung Ho-chuen criticized the government's recently announced 10 tobacco control measures, saying they ignore smokers' rights while failing to address black market sales or improve tax collection.
"The government continues to suppress smokers’ rights without tackling the root issues, such as illicit trade or improving tax revenue from legal tobacco sales," Yeung said.
"These policies need to be reconsidered to better reflect the needs of nearly 700,000 adult smokers in Hong Kong."
Yeung particularly condemned what he called excessive restrictions harming hospitality businesses, noting Hong Kong's restaurants have been smoke-free for two decades.
Other countries are easing post-pandemic rules to revive tourism," Yeung noted, "while Hong Kong keeps tightening controls with exaggerated health claims that are destroying our hookah culture and bar industry."
Yeung warned that the strict approach may prove counterproductive, noting high taxes have failed to significantly reduce smoking rates while driving consumers to illegal markets.
He urged authorities to develop more balanced policies considering both public health and economic impacts.
The government’s proposed Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill conducted its first and second readings in the Legislative Council on April 30.
Key measures include heavier penalties for untaxed cigarettes, banning smoking while queuing in public, and a tax-labeling system with a pilot program expected in the third quarter of this year and full implementation by 2027.
To curb youth smoking, officials also proposed banning alternative smoking products in public spaces starting April 30, 2026, with potential future restrictions on smoking devices.
(Staff Reporter)
