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Following is a question by the Hon Lau Wong-fat and a written reply by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):
Question:
Since the implementation of a total ban on smoking in workplaces and shopping malls, quite a number of smokers have moved to places near the entrances/exits of office buildings and malls to smoke. As a result, people entering or leaving such buildings have to pass through a virtual smoking area. At the meeting of this Council on December 10, 2008, I raised a question on the above situation, but it was not fully answered by the Government. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:
(a) it has assessed the impact of the above situation on passers-by; and
(b) it will review the existing smoking ban with a view to finding a solution to this problem?
Reply:
President,
The Government has adopted a progressive approach in implementing tobacco control policy. Over the years, it has made multi-pronged efforts encompassing publicity, education, legislation, enforcement, taxation as well as promotion of smoking cessation to reduce the impact of passive smoking on the public and further safeguard public health. Following the passage of the amendment to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (the Ordinance) by the Legislative Council in 2006, the statutory no-smoking areas have been expanded significantly to include all indoor public places and workplaces as well as many outdoor sitting-out areas since January 1, 2007. The fixed penalty system for smoking offences will be implemented in due course, and the Administration has also planned to designate public transport interchanges as statutory no-smoking areas.
We understand that after the expansion of no smoking areas, some smokers have gathered around and smoked at certain spots on the streets that are close to no smoking areas, such as places near the entrances/exits of office buildings and malls, and have affected some of the non-smoking passers-by. We are now evaluating the situation, as well as collecting relevant information and conducting research on the matter. This includes gauging public opinion and drawing reference from the experience and results of measures taken by other countries and places in tackling the issue of smokers clustering and smoking in the vicinity of no smoking areas. Meanwhile, we will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the tobacco control policy as well as the community's expectation and acceptance of our tobacco control measures. As in the past, the Government will take into account the actual circumstances and public expectations when considering the need to further expand the statutory no smoking areas or adopt other tobacco control measures to safeguard public health.
Ends/Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:56
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