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10NEWS CORNERHong Kong is Ready to Say NO to SmokingHong Kong%u2019s New Anti-Smoking La A Turning Point in Tobacco ControlThe recent passage of the 2025 Anti-Smoking (Amendment) Bill marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong%u2019s ongoing commitment to reducing tobacco use and protecting public health. Dubbed the %u201cTen New Tobacco Control Measures%u201d (%u63a7%u7159%u5341%u62db), this updated legislation advocates a multifaced approach to combating smoking %u2014 integrating stronger restrictions, expanding smoke-free zones, banning flavoured tobacco products, and tightening enforcement against illicit cigarettes.Let us review the newly passed measures, evaluate them in the context of Hong Kong%u2019s broader tobacco control history and cessation trends, and compare the territory%u2019s approach with other Asian regions such as Singapore, South Korea, Macau, Japan, and mainland China. That helps our future planning on public health and policy-making.A Retrospective Review on Past Government Measures:Hong Kong has consistently put a lot of effort on tobacco control:%u20221982 %u2013 Introduction of the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, banning tobacco advertising on television and radio.%u20221990s %u2013 Incremental advertising restrictions, expansion of smoke-free indoor spaces, and introduction of public tobacco education campaigns.%u20222007%u20132009 %u2013 Comprehensive ban on indoor smoking in restaurants, workplaces, and other public areas; mandatory pictorial health warnings.%u20222011 %u2013 The duty for tobacco products was increased by 41.46%.%u20222016 %u2013 Graphic warnings expanded to cover 85% of cigarette packaging.%u20222022 %u2013 Ban on alternative smoking products (e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices) imports and sales, though possession for personal use was initially allowed.%u20222025 %u2013 The current %u201cTen New Tobacco Control Measures%u201d solidify Hong Kong%u2019s leadership in aggressive tobacco regulation.Key Measures in the 2025 Tobacco Control Amendment - Hong Kong%u2019s Ten Anti-Smoking Moves (%u63a7%u7159%u5341%u62db)The \further lower smoking rates and protect public health. Key provisions include:%u2022Mandatory duty-paid cigarette stamp system to combat illicit tobacco. %u2022Ban on smoking while queuing for public transport or entering key sites such as hospitals and parks. %u2022Expansion of statutory smoke-free areas to more public facilities%u2014including daycare centers and nursing homes. %u2022Ban on all flavoured cigarettes (including menthol), heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes, strengthening prior restrictions by prohibiting even personal possession. %u2022Harsher penalties for illicit tobacco possession and trade%u2014fines doubled to HK$2 million, with up to seven years%u2019 imprisonment. %u2022Enhanced powers and resources for tobacco control officers, including search authority in enforcement. %u2022Tougher bans on sales to minors%u2022Increased publicity and education around quitting %u2022Phased implementation: Certain measures, such as the menthol ban, will follow a staged rollout. %u2022Regulations for clear signage and border guidance to reduce confusion and support tourism.This package enjoys broad legislative and public support, with majority of lawmakers in favour with minimal opposition. According to Secretary for Health Prof Chung-mau LO, this legislative package is rooted in scientific evidence and public consensus, with the primary goal of safeguarding the next generation. He noted that %u201ca smoke-free Hong Kong%u201d is the prevailing societal aspiration, framing tobacco control as a must-answer question rather than a policy choice.Hong Kong%u2019s Smoking Cessation TargetsHong Kong has long maintained some of the lowest smoking prevalence rates globally. As of 2023, daily cigarette smoking prevalence hovered around 9.1% of the population %u2014 markedly lower than many industrialized economies. The government%u2019s stated objective, updated in its 2024 policy address, is to reduce the rate to 7.8% or below by 2025 and aim closer to 5% by the early 2030sThese targets align with the World Health Organization%u2019s (WHO) vision of a tobacco endgame, often defined as fewer than 5% of the population smoking. Achieving this will require continued legislative innovation, persistent public health advocacy, and robust cessation support systems.Progress and Challenges in Trends of Smoking CessationOver the past decades, Hong Kong has experienced a steady decline in smoking prevalence. In the 1980s, daily