The smoking rate has dropped to a new low of 9.5% Chen Zhaoshi: Research and ban cigarettes and flavors and other three directions to ban smoking

The Census and Statistics Department of the Census and Statistics Department announced today (26th) that the 2021 Thematic Household Survey shows that the daily smoking rate of the population aged 15 and above in Hong Kong dropped to 9.5% of the single-digit percentage for the first time, that is, about 581,500 people smoked daily, a record new low since.

The Secretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan, said that if smoking is not advanced, it will retreat. The government aims to reduce the smoking rate to 7.8% by 2025, and is actively studying the "Tobacco End Game" plan to ban smoking in three ways. For example, referring to foreign examples, Considering banning flavored cigarettes, raising the legal age for purchasing cigarettes, and taking responsibility for illegal smoking, the bureau expects to consult the public on the plan within this year.

Chen Zhaoshi said that the smoking rate in Hong Kong fell to 9.5% in the single-digit percentage for the first time, and the goal was to drop to 7.8% by 2025.

(Photo by Liang Pengwei)

Chen Zhaoshi said that he is actively researching the "Tobacco End Game" plan in three aspects. The first is to consider banning smoking in more public places and effectively implement relevant measures in non-smoking areas. For example, other countries have implemented a manager responsibility system. Smoking in a no-smoking area will also punish the person in charge; some other areas have extended the no-smoking area to all public places and only allow smoking in private places.

She said that the second aspect is to try to reduce the attractiveness of smoking products. At present, the government aims to reduce the smoking rate to 7.8% by 2025, but it will set a lower level under the "Tobacco End Game", so it is necessary to prevent non-smokers from becoming smoker.

According to the survey, young people or women smoke more mint and fruit flavors. Further research will be conducted on the packaging and flavor, and reference will also be made to the practice of prohibiting flavoring cigarettes in foreign countries.

The Secretary for Food and Health, Sophia Chan, said that smoking will fall behind if you fail to advance. The government aims to reduce the smoking rate to 7.8% by 2025, and is actively studying the "Tobacco End Game" plan.

(File photo/Photo by Lu Yiming)

As for the third aspect, she said she would consider referring to other places to take further measures to prevent youth from smoking and raise the legal age for buying cigarettes. For example, New Zealand has stipulated that residents born after 2018 cannot buy cigarettes.

The proposal is being actively studied and the public is expected to be consulted on the proposal within this year.

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