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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
OpinionLetters

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
Smoking and vaping
Letters
Letters
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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
I completely understand concerns about the potential uptake among youth. The prevalence of youth smokers in Hong Kong continues to drop, moving from 4.5 per cent in 2000  to 1 per cent in 2017. Continued strong education, proper regulations and enforcement would ensure that these alternative products are only accessible to adult smokers, which is the case for cigarettes today.

We ask for consideration from and willingness of the government, regulators, civil society and those who oppose us to consider the scientific evidence and to be open to conversation and change.

I truly believe we can work hand in hand to prevent youth smoking in our society and at the same time reduce the harm caused to those adults who smoke.

Brett Cooper, general manager, Hong Kong & Macau Philip Morris Asia Limited

 

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