Tough smoking curbs 'turn off patrons'

Cheng Wong

About 80 percent of patrons indicated they would either reduce their visits to local pubs or just travel to the mainland to enjoy its bar scene if the ban on flavored tobacco and water pipes is implemented in Hong Kong.

The Long-Term Tobacco Policy Concern Group conducted a survey at nightlife districts Lan Kwai Fong in Central and Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui at the end of last month and gathered 514 bar customers' opinions on strict tobacco control. A whopping four out of five said the strict ban would reduce their desire to visit local bars, while seven out of 10 indicated that they may visit bars in the mainland instead.

An industry representative said yesterday that such "unnecessary" measures should not be implemented at this critical time when the local nightlife economy is already facing serious challenges.

"The bar industry has been struggling and has not yet recovered to prepandemic levels. It is in a much worse state compared to neighboring regions," said Ben Leung Lap-yan, charter president of the Licensed Bar and Club Association of Hong Kong.

"In such a challenging environment, the government's insistence on implementing such strict tobacco control measures will significantly impact our recovery and the catering industry as a whole."

Leung said that while it is good for the government to prioritize public health, such measures should not be implemented during the bleak economic environment.

He said adults have the right to make their own choices, and that the government and the Health Bureau cannot solely act from a professional perspective while ignoring the needs of the public.

Joe Lo Kai-lut, convener of the concern group that conducted the survey, said only five regions have implemented such comprehensive bans on flavored tobacco and water pipes worldwide. He added that Hong Kong is an international tourist city and should align its smoking measures with those of neighboring regions and its key sources of visitors.

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com