The government remains committed to building a smoke-free Hong Kong despite facing obstacles, according to Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau.
Lo said the Health Bureau recently introduced 10 new tobacco-control measures. These include bans on flavoured cigarettes, alternative smoking products, and smoking while queuing.
In an interview with RTHK to mark the third anniversary of Chief Executive John Lee’s leadership and the 28th anniversary of the Hong Kong SAR, Lo acknowledged that many people dislike smoking while walking. However, he said the city is not yet ready to outlaw the practice.
He explained that enforcing such a ban would be difficult. Hong Kong is densely populated, especially in urban areas. As a result, it is hard to tell whether a smoker is walking or standing, or how far the smoke travels. Lo said these enforcement challenges led the government to hold off on the ban for now.
As a first step in managing outdoor smoking, the government chose to ban smoking while queuing. Lo believes this rule will cause fewer disputes and be easier to enforce. He added that the government will continue to explore ways to control smoking in crowded public spaces.
Despite opposition from tobacco companies, Lo said most Hongkongers would support a smoke-free environment. He also pointed to Shanghai, which has banned smoking in popular tourist spots, as an example of how anti-smoking measures are becoming a global trend.
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