Hong Kong plans to ban vaping, possessing e-cigarette cartridges in public: source

Hong Kong authorities will propose a citywide ban on the possession of e-cigarette cartridges starting with public places, as part of phased efforts to stop vaping and reduce the smoking rate to 7.8 per cent, the Post has learned.

The details of the government’s legislative proposals surfaced following a heated public debate on 10 measures, including banning alternative smoking products (ASPs) and flavoured cigarettes, which was recommended by the Health Bureau last June.

Some business leaders have cautioned that the controls may discourage visitors and businessmen from coming to the city.

A source familiar with the matter told the Post on Friday that the ban was expected to be carried out in two phases, with the legislative proposals being submitted to the Legislative Council in the first quarter.

Smoking and possession of materials such as cartridges used in ASPs, including e-cigarettes and other heated tobacco products, would be prohibited in all public places in the first stage.

For the second stage, the possession ban would be expanded to become citywide.