Letters | A total ban on tobacco in Hong Kong is unrealistic – and unnecessary

Readers discuss the continuing efforts to realise a smoke-free Hong Kong, Russia’s own version of the Belt and Road Initiative, a possible role for museums, and the power of appreciation

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The smoking rate in Hong Kong has fallen substantially from 22.3 per cent in 1982 to 9.5 per cent in 2021. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 11:30am, 30 Nov 2023

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New Zealand’s recent decision to walk back its plan to ban tobacco sales to young people should offer food for thought on Hong Kong’s own anti-tobacco efforts (“New Zealand’s tobacco ban repeal a blow to global anti-smoking efforts: critics”, November 28).

Following a 2½-month public consultation earlier this year, Hong Kong’s health authorities are studying people’s views on the 14 possible measures listed in the consultation document and mulling the next steps in their drive to curb smoking.

Going beyond the measures proposed, the University of Hong Kong’s medical school is calling for a complete ban on tobacco from 2030. While tobacco undoubtedly harms our health, do we need to go that far?

Hong Kong’s smoking rate has fallen from 22.3 per cent in 1982 to 14.4 per cent in 2002, to just 9.5 per cent in 2021. About half of the smokers are aged 50 or above. These numbers show that the government’s multipronged strategy of legislation, enforcement, smoking cessation education and taxation has been successful in preventing young people from picking up the habit. Why don’t we just let smoking die out naturally?

More importantly, a total ban will not stop smoking completely. Even if a total ban is implemented, it would be difficult to enforce. Instead of being sold at convenience stores, tobacco would be sold illegally on the black market, making control even more difficult. In effect, we would be taking money away from the government and putting it in the hands of criminals.