Hong Kong smokers, non-smokers sceptical about effect of larger cigarette pack warnings

A signature campaign, launched to seek backing for tighter tobacco control measures in the city, has received a mixed reaction from the general public.

The Food and Health Bureau wants pictorial warnings to be enlarged to cover at least 85 per cent of cigarette packs, as set out in a document presented to lawmakers last month. It is also calling for more images on packets - 12 rather than six.

Under current smoking regulations, health warnings have to cover at least half of the surface of the packet. The government aims to have the new warnings in effect from early next year. It is also proposing a ban on e-cigarettes and smoking at eight bus interchange facilities near tunnels across the city.

The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, which is organising the signature campaign, set up booths in Causeway Bay to display dummy cigarette packs carrying the new design, a warning that "tobacco kills up to half its users" and a hotline number for those wanting to quit.

The signatures will be submitted to the Legislative Council's health panel on July 6.

But the response among the public yesterday was mixed.

"Smoking sustains me spiritually. I can think well only with cigarettes," said one 67-year-old construction worker who has smoked for 50 years.