Hong Kong to Submit Legislative Bill to Ban Smoking in All Indoor Public Places [04/01-5]

Excerpts from: HK Govt To Submit Legislative Bill To Expand Smoking Ban

AP [04/01/05]

The Hong Kong government said Friday it will submit a bill to the legislature next month to ban smoking in all indoor public places.

The government originally planned to exempt some establishments, such as commercial bathhouses and mahjong parlors, from the legislation because of difficulty of enforcement, but has now changed its mind, said Dr. York Chow, Hong Kong's health secretary.

"There are also workers at these places and second-hand smoking is prevalent. We decided they should not be exempted," Chow told reporters.

Smoking is currently banned in movie theaters, shopping malls, supermarkets and department stores. Restaurants with a capacity of more than 200 people must prohibit smoking in at least one-third of their seating area.

The new legislation will expand the smoking ban to all restaurants, bars, karaoke lounges, schools and offices.

Chow said the government plans to allow a grace period of three to six months once the legislation is passed.

About 15% of Hong Kong's above-15 population, or 847,000 people, were smokers in 2003. The government said Hong Kong spends HK$900 million (US$115 million) a year treating smoking-related diseases.

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