Most Hong Kong residents support more smoking control measures, study finds

Nearly 90 per cent of Hong Kong residents support stronger smoking control measures, a poll has found, while a separate study estimates that raising tobacco tax progressively could cut the city’s smoking rate significantly within a decade.

The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) and academics on Tuesday announced findings of both a survey and a study by two universities.

The survey gauged public opinion on tobacco control policies while the study projected and analysed the effects of additional measures. Both were commissioned by COSH, a statutory body.

According to findings from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), 89 per cent of respondents backed expanding smoke-free areas, with more than 60 per cent in favour of a smoking ban covering all outdoor areas. Both former and current smokers were among those supporting the measures.

“There is a high degree of consensus in Hong Kong society that supports the further expansion of no-smoking areas … to safeguard public health,” said Kelvin Wang Man-ping, assistant dean of professional development in health sciences of HKU’s medical faculty, who led the survey.

The population-based survey, conducted from December 2024 to May last year, interviewed 5,600 respondents – 2,600 smokers, 1,500 former smokers and 1,500 non-smokers.