Backchat
On Tuesday’s Backchat, we’re talking about anti-smoking policies. The government is planning to table 10 tobacco control measures to the Legislative Council by the end of this year, including a ban on flavoured cigarettes, implementing plain packages for all tobacco products and banning smoking while standing in a queue.
The administration conducted a public consultation on tobacco control last year, with about 90 percent of respondents supporting measures to further reduce smoking prevalence.
But some businesses and legislators have called for delay in introducing the extra restrictions, saying they could have a negative impact on bars and pubs which currently allow smoking in their outside areas, and may also deter sometourists from visiting the city.
So how should public health and economic concerns be balanced? What is the way forward for greater tobacco controls?
After 9:45am, we learn more about a Chinese culture festival being held in Wan Chai, and a campaign promoting Chinese opera.
9:05am-9:45am: Tobacco control
9:05am-9:30am : Henry Tong, Chairman, Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health 9:05am-9:30am: David Lam, Legislator; Deputy Chairman, Legco’s Panel on Health Services 9:05am-9:45am: Judith Mackay, Director, Asian Consultancy on Tobacco Control and Senior Policy Advisor, World Health Organisation
9:30am-9:45am: Sean Ryan Lee, Manager of Cinta J bar in Wan Chai
9:45am-10:00am: Chinese Culture Festival
9:45am-10:00am: Jennifer Chow, Chairman of Bauhinia Association 9:45am-10:00am: Lawrence Pang, President, The Academy of Chinese Wisdom and Management