Gov’t proposes new tobacco control bill

10 short-term measures were introduced, with eight requiring amendments to existing laws.

The government has published the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Gazette, proposing changes to the existing legislation to introduce a new phase of tobacco control measures.

In June 2024, the Health Bureau outlined an overall tobacco control strategy aimed at reducing the societal risks posed by smoking products and safeguarding public health.

As part of the strategy, 10 short-term measures were introduced, with eight requiring amendments to existing laws.

These include the implementation of a duty stamp system for cigarettes, increased penalties for duty-not-paid tobacco, and a ban on the possession of alternative smoking products.

Additionally, the implementation of a plain packaging requirement, a prohibition on smoking whilst queuing, and an expansion of designated no-smoking areas.

Other proposals include banning the provision of smoking products to individuals under 18 and prohibiting flavoured conventional smoking products.

Meanwhile, the other two short-term measures, namely “continuously reviewing the effectiveness of increasing tobacco duty and the pace of future adjustments” and “strengthening smoking cessation services as well as publicity and education,” do not involve legislative amendments.

The Health Bureau emphasised the need for the government to implement more proactive strategies to reduce tobacco consumption and lessen its negative impact on society to further mitigate the public health risks posed by tobacco.

After considering factors like effectiveness, feasibility, and public receptiveness, the bureau proposed these measures last year and further refined the details of the proposed legislative amendments after considering stakeholders’ views.

The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on 30 April.