Letters | Instead of banning e-cigarettes, Hong Kong should ensure only adults can buy them

While youth smoking is a concern, its prevalence has been steadily declining. Meanwhile, e-cigarettes offer existing cigarette smokers a less harmful option

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A bill to amend the Smoking Ordinance proposes to subject anyone who brings in, imports, makes, sells, distributes or promotes new smoking products in Hong Kong– including e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn products and herbal cigarettes – to a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a fine of HK$50,000 if convicted. The first reading is on February 20. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 4:38pm, 17 Feb 2019Updated: 4:37pm, 17 Feb 2019

As the government moves ahead with its proposal to ban new alternatives to smoking cigarettes, such as heated tobacco products, it may be helpful to pause and look at the bigger picture in Hong Kong.

Despite increasing prevention and cessation efforts worldwide, there is still consumer demand for cigarettes. The World Health Organisation forecasts that there will still be more than 1 billion people who smoke cigarettes in 2025, as there are today.

In Hong Kong, more than 615,000 people smoke. If there are less harmful options, wouldn’t you want them to be able to switch to them?

Imagine if most traditional cigarettes sold in Hong Kong could be replaced by a product that, although not risk-free, releases approximately 90 per cent less harmful chemicals than cigarette smoke.

Non-smokers will also no longer be exposed to harmful second-hand smoke or the smell of cigarettes, as these products don’t produce ash since there is no combustion. This can become a reality in Hong Kong, but an open dialogue and thoughtful regulation is necessary.

A spectator smokes at the races at Sha Tin racecourse in May 2018. Photo: Kenneth Chan