Some anti-smoking steps 'should take effect earlier'
Some anti-smoking steps 'should take effect earlier'
Chan Hoi-yan says the proposed ban on offering cigarettes to people under 18 years old should come into effect once the law is passed. Photo: RTHK
Lawmaker Chan Hoi-yan said she thinks the government should move forward the implementation date of some of its anti-smoking measures, the bill for which was tabled in the legislature for first reading on Wednesday.
The measures include banning the use and possession of electronic and heated cigarettes, as well as introducing a fine for smoking while queuing for public transport or to enter a number of premises.
If the bill is approved as expected, the dates of implementation for the measures vary from the start of the new year to around a year's time or two years from now.
Chan, formerly a politically-appointed health official, said she thinks the measures are all steps in the right direction in the important task of stopping young people from getting into smoking.
However, she said, certain proposed measures, such as banning people from offering a cigarette to those below 18, could be implemented immediately after the bill is passed by lawmakers.
"This measure should immediately become illegal," Chan told RTHK.
"In the past the ban might just involve the sale of cigarettes at shops.
"But while I support the idea in general, timing is important for this measure concerning offering cigarettes to those below 18 – it would only be effective on New Year's Day.
"I think once the law's passed, [the penalty] should be implemented at the quickest possible time."
Chan said she thinks officials can better explain and promote plans to penalise smokers under different scenarios, such as fining those who smoke when there are two or more people, including the smoker, in a queue as well as those who smoke at bus stops.
The councillor representing the Election Committee said doing so can help prevent quarrels from breaking out.
She added that besides anti-smoking measures, there should also be incentives to encourage smokers to quit the habit.
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