Hong Kong authorities will target flavoured tobacco in the next phase of smoking controls, health chief Lo Chung-mau said on Saturday. He called flavoured e-cigarettes a poisoned chalice designed to hook young people.
Hong Kong authorities will crack down on flavoured tobacco substances in the next phase of enhanced smoking control measures. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau warned on Saturday that such products are mostly delivered through e-cigarettes and use additives like menthol or sugar-coated toxins to mask bitterness and attract young consumers.
“About 70 per cent of young people’s first puff of nicotine comes from flavoured cigarettes, which make them easily addicted to smoking,” he told a radio programme. The government has already rolled out 10 short-term tobacco control measures.
Lo said the next step will target regulation of flavoured substances. He added that packaging for all cigarettes would be standardised at a later stage because current colourful designs resemble toys.
Hong Kong expanded its ban on alternative smoking products on April 30, making it illegal to possess or use vapes and e-cigarettes in public spaces.
