Liberal Party proposes lifting ban on flavored cigarettes over tobacco control legislative amendments

As the Legislative Council prepares for the second reading of the tobacco control bill next week, the Liberal Party has proposed amendments to the regulations, including lifting the ban on flavored cigarettes and implementing a positive vetting procedure.

The government's ten tobacco control measures aim to regulate both traditional and alternative smoking products, prohibiting smoking in queues and expanding designated non-smoking areas. 

Notably, the sale of flavored conventional smoking products is expected to be banned starting the second quarter of 2027, with potential expansion based on effectiveness.

However, the flavored tobacco ban has faced criticism from various businesses and the bar industry, which argue it will negatively impact their operations.

In a statement to Sing Tao Headline, the sister publication of The Standard, lawmaker Michael Lee Chun-keung expressed concerns that allowing only travelers to bring flavored cigarettes could lead to a rise in illicit products.

With a lack of identifiable markings on cigarettes, Lee pointed out the challenges for enforcement in the future. 

Considering the limit of 19 duty-free cigarettes for travelers, Lee said the ban could deter visitors coming to Hong Kong.

Lee expressed hope that other political parties will recognize the impact on consumer choice and support the amendments, revealing plans to lobby for support. 

Liberal Party chairman and retail sector lawmaker Peter Shiu Ka-fai previously proposed to change the effective date of the new measures on duty-paid cigarette labels as well as the ban on flavored cigarettes from "negative vetting" to "positive vetting" procedure.

He also proposed to amend the definition of "specified additive" in the flavored smoking products ban, aiming to exclude substances that alter the taste or aroma of conventional smoking products.

Sources from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) noted that the party has not yet discussed the proposed amendments but is open to supporting Shiu's suggestions, emphasizing that scrutinizing bills is a key responsibility of lawmakers.