As the vape becomes more and more ubiquitous and popular in Hong Kong, the LegCo (the legislative council) has been seized of new legislation banning the import, manufacture, sale, distribution and advertising of e-cigarettes.
LIMIT THE PRESENCE AND USE OF E-CIGARETTE IN HONG KONG!
A few days ago, the LegCo, Hong Kong's legislative council has faced the proposed legislation banning the import, manufacture, sale, distribution and advertising of e-cigarettes. According to government sources, there has been an increase in the use of e-cigarettes globally over the past decade. About 5 people in Hong Kong regularly use e-cigarettes, but this number is expected to increase along with global trends.
The purpose of this new legislation would be to limit the circulation of e-cigarettes in Hong Kong. Namely, people who introduce e-cigarettes in Hong Kong can be fined up to 50 000 HK dollars and sentenced to six months in prison.
If the use of e-cigarettes will remain legal, fines of 5 HKD will be imposed on anyone using them in non-smoking areas (the same amount as for the consumption of regular cigarettes). The government's move is said to be aimed at protecting public health by banning e-cigarettes before it becomes too popular in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's Legislative Council is also considering passing a bill granting more authority to tobacco control officers, allowing them to take tougher action against anyone who breaks the law in tobacco-free zones.
