Hong Kong minister says disapproving stares from public will discourage smokers
Hong Kong minister says disapproving stares from public will discourage smokers
Hong Kong's health secretary has said the territory could build a non-smoking culture if "everyone stares in disapproval" at people who light up where they shouldn't.
On Wednesday, health authorities launched a public consultation paper for new anti-smoking strategies that included banning people born after a certain date from buying cigarettes and a possible cigarette tax increase to 75 per cent of the package price.
Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau told a meeting of the Legislative Council's health service panel on Friday police could not always be expected to catch smokers.
"When the members of the public see people smoking in non-smoking areas, even if no law enforcement officers can show up immediately, we can stare at the smokers," he said.
"I do not believe that person would dare to hit back at everyone at the restaurant as they are simply staring."
Under current Hong Kong smoking laws, smoking inside restaurants, workplaces, indoor public spaces and some outdoor public areas is punishable with a fine of up HK$1,500 ($280).
Dr Lo reasoned that since it didn't take law enforcement to make people queue at a bus stop, smoking could be the same.
Enforcement by other means has been difficult as smokers often finish their cigarettes before police turn up.
Mr Lo also warned that authorities would take into consideration surveillance footage or video clips provided by members of the public, which could be used as evidence to crack down on smokers lighting up in restricted public areas.
"Tobacco-free Hong Kong has a healthy image. I do not think tourists visit Hong Kong because they would like to buy or smoke cigarettes," Mr Lo said.
But another Hong Kong politician, Chan Kin-por, said he disagreed that those of a certain age or older should be stopped from buying cigarettes in a blanket ban.
"Very few countries around the world have implemented similar measures," Mr Chan told The South China Morning Post.
"Smoking or not should be a personal choice so tobacco control measures should be gradual. One-size-fit-all policies may backfire."
Authorities said that international airlines arriving in Hong Kong would now announce the city's new anti-smoking rules to passengers so there would be no confusion about them.
abc.net.au
