Graphic warnings for tobacco products will truly reflect health hazards caused by smoking and encourage people to quit smoking, Deputy Director of Health Dr Leung Ting-hung says.

Speaking on a radio talkshow today, Dr Leung said the proposal aims to better protect against passive smoke and restrict advertising. According to overseas experience, 60% of people said the pictoral health warnings have enhanced their understanding of smoking hazards, while 70% of smokers said they will quit after seeing the pictoral warnings.

High price

Noting smoking causes 5,700 deaths and costs $5 billion in economic losses a year, Dr Leung said more stringent control over the use and promotion of tobacco is necessary.

The Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2005, which will be tabled at the Legislative Council on May 11, requires packets or retail containers of tobacco products to bear health warnings with pictorial and graphic content.

Dr Leung said the proposal's cost implication will not be high. The proposal is expected to be implemented in mid-2006, and a one-year grace period will be given to the trade.

Ban extension

On the bill's other proposal to extend the statutory smoking ban, Dr Leung noted restaurants, bars, karaoke establishments, mahjong premises, commercial bathhouses, universities and post-secondary institutions, residential care homes for the elderly, workplaces and public places will be covered.

He said the proposal has gained public support and the trade has been consulted, adding 85% of the interviewees indicated they will dine out more if the extended smoking ban is in place.

Dr Leung said a 90-day adaptation period from the enactment of the bill will be available for premises affected by the expansion of statutory no-smoking areas. The Government will also continue discussions with the trade on the issue, he added.