Govt to roll out new tobacco control measures

The government will also add more no-smoking areas.

The Health Bureau has proposed 10 tobacco control measures aimed at more effectively combating illicit cigarettes and protecting non-smokers from tobacco-related hazards.

Amongst the measures proposed were prohibiting the possession of alternative smoking products, banning smoking while queuing, and implementing a duty stamp system to differentiate duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones.

The measures will also increase penalties for duty-not-paid cigarettes, prohibit the provision of tobacco products to people aged below 18, and ban flavoured cigarettes.

In addition, the government aims to expand no-smoking zones to entrances and exits of specified places like childcare centres, schools, elderly care homes, and healthcare facilities. It also plans to raise the fine for smoking in these areas to $3,000.