Dawn of a smoke-free era draws a mixed reaction

Smokers enjoyed their last puff in restaurants yesterday before the smoking ban on most indoor facilities took effect after midnight.

Although most non-smoking diners welcomed the ban, which finally legislates a smoke-free environment, some smokers complained it was unfair.

Chow Ko-cho, 53, has been smoking for more than 30 years and is a two-packet-a-day man. He said the government had cracked down in the wrong place, which made the ban 'unreasonable'.

'Smokers are allowed to buy cigarettes but forbidden to light them up. It is too ridiculous,' Mr Chow said. 'Cigarettes are sold legally with heavy tax. Why doesn't the government ban the imports and the sales of tobacco if it is really concerned about the health problem? It contradicts itself.'

Security guard Szeto Hoi, a smoker for nearly 40 years, was more philosophical, saying he would just go outside to enjoy his cigarettes during lunch breaks.

He agreed with the idea of a smoke-free environment, saying it was a bad habit.