(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee said today that the six-month adaptation period for the regulation of disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products has gone smoothly and that a plastic-free culture in the city has been built.

Prior to attending an Executive Council meeting this morning, Mr Lee elaborated on arrangements concerning the regulation, stating that the sale of various items of disposable plastic tableware will be prohibited in the next phase.

He said: “This plastic-free culture we want to build – we have already finished the first phase, which was the six-month adaptation period for the first phase of plastic products to be first of all no longer provided, and also not to be offered for sale. I think this six-month adaptation period has gone on smoothly. Generally, I think the culture has been built.”

The Chief Executive highlighted that the Government will try to help businesses go through the transition. He stressed that before any enforcement action is taken against firms, the Environmental Protection Department will give them 10 days to correct any infringements in their operations.

“If no correction is taken after 10 days, then enforcement action will be taken,” he added.