Alvin Yuen, 18, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
There are two major problems which need to be addressed with the notion of banning smoking on the streets: how effective it is and the implications of implementing it. While banning smoking in the streets could seem like a good idea, we must question whether it is necessary. According to the Tobacco Control Office Department of Health, the number of smokers has steadily declined since 1982, even without a ban.
Banning smoking outside would be almost impossible to enforce. Statistics from the Tobacco Control Office show that only a little more than 10 per cent of people in Hong Kong smoke. I believe officers enforcing this ban would struggle to find offenders.
The band would also interfere with the personal choice of an individual and would violate personal freedom.
Although I acknowledge that smoking places a burden on the healthcare system, I believe it is in the public's interest to maintain the right to make personal choices. If we imposed a ban on the air that we breathe, what would prevent someone from proposing a ban on other occasional pleasures like junk food? There ought to be a limit on what can be governed and what should be left to choice.
An outright ban on smoking would not only be ineffective and unnecessary, but would also be a violation of personal choice.
Naomi Ng, 17, Diocesan Girls' School
