The government is being urged to take a tougher stance on a growing youth drinking problem by reinstating a wine duty or imposing age restrictions.
Addiction experts say more restrictions are also needed on alcohol advertisements, along with more educational campaigns aimed at people at risk. The warnings came as the government launched an action plan to reduce alcohol-related harm and prevent the rise of related diseases last week.
'The situation is turning into a so-called [youth] drinking culture,' said Professor Lam Tai-hing, director of the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong.
A Health Department working group on alcohol and health published an 'Action Plan to Reduce Alcohol-Related Harm in Hong Kong' on October 24.
At a seminar on alcohol and health the same day, Director of Health Dr Lam Ping-yan (pictured), said it was hoped the plan would help people make more informed choices when drinking.
Even though no one under the age of 18 can legally consume alcohol in restaurants and bars, there is no age limit on the sale of alcoholic beverages outside venues with liquor licences. So, buying alcohol in Hong Kong is easier than elsewhere in the world, as it is sold in convenience stores and supermarkets.
