The Health Bureau today launched a public consultation on tobacco control strategies, inviting people to express their views on the tobacco control work for the next phase. The consultation period will last until September 30.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said that at present, nearly 600,000 people in Hong Kong are daily smokers, with one out of every two smokers aged 50 or above.

He noted that facing the double blow brought about by an ageing population and a rising number of chronic disease patients, the additional health risks posed by smoking will certainly put an extra burden on the healthcare system.

Prof Lo continued: “Furthermore, over 7% of secondary school students have been tempted to smoke.

“To protect our next generation from the hazard of smoking and ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system, it is imperative to formulate a tobacco control policy that keeps up with the times as early as possible to reduce the advertising effect and appeal of tobacco products, so as to prevent the public, young people in particular, from smoking out of curiosity.”

The Government has drawn up a consultation document highlighting four strategies: Regulate Supply, Suppress Demand; Ban Promotion, Reduce Attractiveness; Expand No Smoking Areas, Mitigate Harm; and Enhance Education, Support Cessation.

At a press conference this afternoon, Prof Lo outlined the Government's smoking rate target, adding that it welcomed an open public discussion on tobacco control.

“Our target, set forth in the previous Policy Address, is that by the year 2025 we aim at a smoking rate of 7.8%.

“This is a consultation on tobacco control strategies. Regarding your (a reporter's) question on the specific year or date of birth of a possible strategy of prohibiting sales to people born after a certain date, we do not have a set date or agenda. We are open.

“We have listed out 14 possible items in the consultation as possible future policies in reducing the smoking rate, but these are all open to discussion and we welcome everyone in the community in Hong Kong to give us an opinion to help us decide on which strategies are most effective and most supported by the community.”

The public can make use of the online questionnaire to express opinions on or before September 30. They may also submit their views by email or by post to 18/F, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar.