ENG-2018 — Page 200

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Health

Smoking and Health

China is a state party to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of the World Health Organisation (WHO), so provisions of the convention are applicable to Hong Kong. The city's tobacco control policy aims to discourage smoking, contain the proliferation of tobacco use and minimise the impact from passive smoking through a progressive and multi-pronged approach comprising legislation, publicity, education, enforcement, smoking cessation and taxation.

The Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance stipulates statutory no-smoking areas, regulates the packaging and labelling of tobacco products, and prohibits all advertisements and promotions for such products. Smoking is banned in all indoor areas of workplaces and public places, including restaurants and bars, as well as some outdoor areas, including the open areas of schools, leisure grounds, bathing beaches and public transport facilities. Offenders are liable to a fine of $1,500 under the Fixed Penalty (Smoking Offences) Ordinance.

The emergence of alternative smoking products, including e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products, poses new health risks and challenges. These products are often packaged as less harmful substitutes and employ promotional tactics targeted at youngsters and non-smokers, paving the way for the eventual consumption of conventional cigarettes. It is possible for the public to underestimate their harmful effects and eventually reaccept the image of smoking and the related behaviours. To protect public health, the Chief Executive announced in the Policy Address a legislative amendment proposal to ban the import, manufacture, sale, distribution and advertising of alternative smoking products. The government is undertaking the relevant legislative amendment procedures.

The department's Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office enforces regulations set out in the two ordinances above. In 2018, it conducted 32,255 inspections and issued 140 summonses and 8,684 fixed penalty notices for smoking offences. A special task force was formed to enhance the enforcement action at night and during holidays. The office also distributes guidelines, posters, no-smoking signs and pamphlets to the public and the venue managers of statutory no-smoking areas.

In addition, the office provides advice on how to quit smoking, counselling services and pharmaceutical treatment through a smoking cessation hotline (1833 183), clinics and an interactive online cessation centre. In 2018, the hotline handled more than 8,900 phone calls. The office also raises awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and second-hand cigarette smoke. It works with NGOs to run community-based cessation programmes that include Chinese medicine acupuncture, peer-led phone counselling, cessation services at the workplace, programmes for ethnic minorities and new immigrants, and school activities.

The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, an independent statutory body, advises the government on smoking, passive smoking and health, and publicises the hazards of smoking. The council also conducts publicity, education and community involvement campaigns, and receives enquiries and suggestions from the public on smoking and health.

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