Legislative Changes

In a further step to protect the public from the hazards of secondhand smoke, the Government introduced the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2005 into the Legislative Council in May to expand statutory no-smoking areas to all indoor workplaces and public places and strengthen the regulations on advertisements, promotions, packaging and labelling of tobacco products as well as strengthening law enforcement efforts. Under the proposed legislation, the majority of indoor workplaces and public places in Hong Kong will be smoke free by January 1, 2007.

Tobacco Control Office

The Tobacco Control Office was set up in 2001 under the Department of Health to coordinate the Government's tobacco control efforts and to promote a smoke-free culture in Hong Kong through intersectoral collaboration and community participation.

Recognising the complexity of tobacco control issues, the office has adopted a multi-pronged approach to achieve its goals. One of the priority areas is to assist managers and staff working in statutory no-smoking areas to comply with and enforce the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance. In 2005, the Tobacco Control Office organised 70 workshops for 1 311 venue management staff of statutory no-smoking areas. Tobacco Control Office officers also visited 114 restaurants and 72 shopping malls and explained the legal requirements to managers of these no-smoking areas. In addition, 114 Smoke-free Workplace Workshops were conducted for 2 631 managers and other members of staff.

Under the ordinance, tobacco advertisements are prohibited in printed publications distributed in Hong Kong; or displayed in writing or other permanent or semi-permanent form. A total of 35 warning letters concerning tobacco advertisements were issued during the year. The office also organised health education activities by itself or in collaboration with other organisations to increase public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and second-hand smoke.

Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health

The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health is an independent statutory body set up to acquire and disseminate information on the hazards of using tobacco products, and to advise the Government on matters related to smoking, passive smoking and health.

During the year, the council conducted publicity and community involvement campaigns with particular emphasis on discouraging smoking in public places and in workplaces. The council continued its school health education programmes. In addition to 162 health talks delivered to primary and secondary schools, the council arranged a tour of an interactive education drama in 66 primary schools. The council also operated a telephone hotline to receive enquiries, suggestions and complaints from the public on matters related to smoking and health.

The council set up a new website, www.smokefree.hk, in April 2005 to disseminate tobacco control information and smoke-free messages for the public.