HK considers tightening anti-smoking laws
( 2003-09-07 15:45) (Agencies)
Hong Kong's government is working on proposals to ban smoking in restaurants
and impose tighter packaging restrictions on cigarette firms, the South China
Morning Post reported on Sunday.
The government plans to present its final proposals to legislators before the
end of this year, the paper quoted an official source as saying.
Under the plan, smoking in all restaurants would be banned after a certain
grace period and the restriction would eventually be extended to bars, discos
and nightclubs, the paper said.
The government proposed a similar smoking ban in 2001, but faced stiff
opposition from the restaurant and bar trades fearing a slump in business.
Hong Kong's anti-smoking laws now prohibit smoking in some public places and
advertising tobacco products on television or in print. Under the proposals,
tobacco firms may be required to print health warnings that cover half of each
cigarette pack.
The government is also considering putting graphic warnings on cigarette
packs similar to those used in Canada, the paper said.
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