Legislators threw their weight behind a total ban on direct and indirect tobacco advertising, and on tobacco sponsorship of social, cultural and sports events.
They supported a motion by independent Dr Leong Che-hung, which also urged the introduction of legislation to designate all indoor public places smoke-free areas.
But some legislators argued the blanket ban on tobacco advertising would amount to unwarranted infringement of freedom of expression and human rights.
Despite having failed to secure the support of the Liberal Party and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong, Dr Leong's motion was passed by a vote of 29 to 22. Four legislators abstained.
Dr Leong said: 'It would take the greatest hypocrite to say that tobacco advertising has no power.' He said it would be difficult to argue that such advertisements were not greatly responsible for encouraging people to smoke.
Supporting Dr Leong's motion, Democratic Party chairman Martin Lee Chu-ming issued a warning to smokers in the territory.
'For every inhalation and exhalation, you are victimising yourself, you are victimising others.' Both his party and some independents urged the Government to levy a tobacco tax to sponsor sports and cultural activities instead of through direct tobacco sponsorship.