XN000022-1995-06-07 — Page 50

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Reply:

Mr President,

With effect from 28 April 1995, retailers have been prohibited from selling or giving for the purpose of promotion or advertisement, any tobacco product to a person under the age of 18. Offenders, under summary conviction, are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000. A sign must be displayed at the place of sale to remind retailers and purchasers alike of the law. Police officers on beat patrol together with other law enforcement agencies will look to see if retailers violate the law. Members of the public can also report contravention and should come forward as a witness after making their report. Their support and testimony is essential to the eventual

conviction of offenders.

The Administration is also planning to introduce a further package of anti- smoking measures into this Council in December. This will prohibit the sale of cigarettes in packages of less than 20 sticks or individually. It will also impose tighter controls on tobacco advertising, since a strong correlation has been found among schoolchildren between smoking and attractiveness of cigarette advertisements.

Smoking is a lifestyle choice and young people look to their seniors and parents when making their choice. The positive influence and sustained persuasion of the family members and teachers are a great influence to young people to make an informed choice of not to smoke. Only through the collaborative effort of different sectors of society can the problem of smoking among the young be addressed. To this end, the Administration, the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health and other voluntary agencies have dedicated much effort to promoting a smoke-free culture among community. We will continue to monitor the smoking prevalence among young people and consider introducing further legislative and publicity measures as appropriate. Meanwhile, parents and adults generally can best set an example for young people by not smoking themselves.

End/Wednesday, June 7, 1995

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