Smokers may get break in gradual rollout

Marcus Lum

The implementation of 10 tobacco-control measures has been postponed from late this year to early next year.

Legislative Council members have proposed a gradual rollout, suggesting the law be amended in phases.

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 other alternative smoking products.

The most contentious proposal is the ban on flavored cigarettes, including menthol and fruit-flavored varieties.

The Health Bureau said the SAR administration aims to submit the legislative amendment bill to Legco by the end of this year or early next year.

The bureau is currently drafting legislative proposals and coordinating with other departments while engaging with Legco members to gather feedback.

Rebecca Chan Hoi-yan, who chairs the health services panel, indicated that authorities are unlikely to submit the legislative amendments by year-end.

With only about two weeks remaining in the year, she said the submission will likely be deferred until next year.

However, Chan added that this delay could be beneficial as it would give the administration more time to explain the proposed measures to Legco members and enhance public education on the issues.

Chan said it is important to provide clear statistics to justify the targeting of flavored cigarettes.

Peter Shiu Ka-fai, who represents the retail sector, expressed concerns about the economic impact of banning fruit-flavored and menthol cigarettes, arguing that increasing tobacco taxes would only benefit the black market.

He expects to see a significant drop in tobacco tax revenue - 55 percent - from HK$2.4 billion to HK$1 billion from March to September this year even as the number of smokers remains largely unchanged.

Shiu urged a reconsideration of these bans, saying the adult population and tourists have the right to make their own choices.

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