'Alternative smoking products ban won't hurt tourism'

A large-scale publicity campaign is underway to remind tourists about an upcoming ban on alternative smoking products, a health officials said on Sunday. From April 30, the possession or use of alternative smoking products, such as vapes, e-cigarettes or heated tobacco in public will be prohibited. Offenders will be subject to a fine of up to HK$50,000, and imprisonment of up to six months. Speaking on a radio programme, Director of Health Ronald Lam said the new ban is not expected to impact the travel industry because he does not believe tourists come to Hong Kong just to smoke alternative tobacco products. He said visitors are being notified of the new regulations. "We have cooperated with other departments to carry out large-scale publicity, including posting large signs at entry ports and having inspectors from the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office distribute materials to tourists," he explained. "We are also working with the Travel Industry Authority and the Tourism Board to disseminate relevant information, so that tourists can know about the new law in advance.” He added that mainland media outlets are also helping to release information. Lam reiterated that the legislation is necessary because alternative smoking products are just as harmful as traditional cigarettes. He added that in the longer term, the administration hopes to further bring down the local smoking rate, which currently stands at 8.5 percent. Edited by Priscilla Ng