Ten tobacco control measures expected to face delays, lawmakers urge gradual implementation

The government's proposal to amend ten tobacco control measures, initially set for submission to the Legislative Council by the end of this year, is now likely to be postponed until early next year. Some lawmakers have suggested that the authorities should adopt a phased approach, starting with less stringent measures.

This development follows a statement from Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau last year, outlining plans to introduce ten measures aimed at submission for legislative amendments by the end of 2024. This timeline was intended to ensure the legislation's passage within the current legislative year. However, the Health Bureau recently indicated that the draft might be submitted in late 2024 or early 2025, which contradicts Lo's earlier statement.

As the bureau has yet to submit the legislative amendments to the Panel on Health Services, panel chairman Rebecca Chan Hoi-yan believes there is still sufficient time to complete the legislation within this legislative year. Chan noted that with about two weeks left in the year, there remains a possibility for submission to the Legislative Council next year, which she views positively.

Chan emphasized the importance of additional efforts at this stage, including member explanations and public education on the issues at hand. She also highlighted the need for more comprehensive data to support the government's focus on specific issues such as the ban on flavored cigarettes.

The proposed measures include expanding smoke-free zones, banning smoking in queues, doubling fines for violations in smoke-free areas, and prohibiting the possession of e-cigarettes and alternative smoking products. The most contentious proposal is the ban on flavored cigarettes, including menthol and fruit-flavored varieties.

Retail sector lawmaker Peter Shiu Ka-fai expressed concerns over the proposed bans on fruit-flavored cigarettes, menthol cigarettes, and shisha. He urged the government to reconsider these bans, emphasizing the right of Hong Kong's adult population and tourists to make their own choices.

Shiu also called for the government to seize this opportunity to enhance consultations and continue promoting anti-smoking and smoking cessation initiatives.