Hong Kong lawmakers pass controversial tobacco control bill to cut smoking rate

Hong Kong lawmakers have passed a controversial tobacco control bill that aims to further lower the city’s smoking rate, with a minister saying the proposed measures have already considered a variety of opinions.

The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill was passed on Thursday after the second and third readings, following a last-ditch effort by two lawmakers to delay and amend the government-proposed measures earlier this week.

Among the 83 lawmakers who attended the meeting, 74 supported the bill, one opposed and seven abstained.

“Our bill has already included opinions of the Legislative Council and different sectors of society,” Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said as he addressed lawmakers.

“It is a smoking control chorus, and a harmony of male and female voices, as well as high and low pitches that work together as a song of smokeless Hong Kong.

“The real charisma of an international metropolitan is the sense of happiness that fresh air brings to the public.”

The bill will make it illegal for people to possess or use alternative smoking products in public by April 30 of next year.