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The Government introduced the Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2011 into the Legislative Council today (April 13) to give effect to the Budget proposal of increasing duty rates on tobacco by about 41.5%.
In his 2011-12 Budget, the Financial Secretary proposed an increase in tobacco duty by $0.5 per stick, representing an increase of about 41.5%, to protect public health.
The proposal came into immediate effect from 11am on February 23 (the Budget Day) under the Public Revenue Protection (Dutiable Commodities) Order 2011. The Order gives provisional legal effect to the proposal for four months. It is necessary for the Government to introduce a Bill containing the proposal into the Legislative Council within this period for enactment by the Legislative Council.
A Government spokesman said: "The long-term objective of tobacco control policy is to curb cigarette consumption and further reduce smoking prevalence in Hong Kong. The proposed increase in tobacco duty will help to strengthen tobacco control, to discourage smoking, especially among young smokers, and in the long run, to achieve our goal to protect public health.
"While proposing to increase the duty rate, the Government will enhance various tobacco control measures, including doubling our resources in the provision of smoking cessation services by government departments and non-government organisations. We will also step up our efforts in publicity, education and enforcement. The Customs and Excise Department is well prepared to step up its action to prevent the deterioration of illicit cigarette activities."
Ends/Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:40
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