Q What do you think of the smoking ban?
As a non-smoker, I welcome this policy. People need not smell the disgusting second-hand smoke anymore after the smoking ban. It will certainly be good for our health. However, I doubt if the law can be easily enforced.
Although it is a disgusting habit and smokers always make a negative impression on non-smokers, they are citizens of Hong Kong; they are taxpayers. One-sixth of Hongkongers smoke. Once the law is enforced, they would be deprived of their privilege to smoke.
Now smoking is forbidden in public areas, they will not spend so much time in public places, such as restaurants and cinemas. They will stay at home instead. As a result, the businesses' turnover will greatly decrease. So prohibiting smoking in public spots not only affects smokers' private interests but will also have a negative impact on the economy.
It will take time for smokers to adapt to this new law.
Katie Leung, Mei Foo Sun Chuen