A smoking bill may be tabled at the Legislative Council in the second quarter, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says, adding the public supports Government proposals to combat second-hand smoke.

Dr Chow today met legislator Tommy Cheung and representatives of the catering industry on extending statutory no-smoking areas, who are worried about any negative impact from a total smoking ban and enforcement problems.

Experience in Europe and the US showed that a total smoking ban will not have a negative long-term impact on business, Dr Chow said, adding some businesses actually saw growth.

Enforcement

On enforcement problems, Dr Chow said food premises operators will not have to shoulder any legal responsibility for eradicating smoking offences, adding only offending smokers will risk prosecution.

Understanding that some operators still doubt the ban and have reservations on the implementation timetable, Dr Chow said he will continue liaising with them.

Though the legislative intent has been debated for a long time, Dr Chow reasserted that in amending the law, the intent has to be clear and the provisions have to be clear as well as feasible. He also understood suitable ancillary and educational arrangements have to be put in place to help the trade adapt to the new requirements.