The government plans to legislate a ban on flavored traditional smoking products, including waterpipe smoking.
Reports suggest that this move could reduce spending in local bars. In response, the Food and Health Bureau clarified that all indoor areas of food establishments, including bars, are legally designated smoke-free zones. Waterpipe smoking in these areas is illegal and has been enforced for years. Currently, only about 10% of bars have outdoor areas where patrons can legally smoke, indicating that the ban on flavored cigarettes and water pipes will have a minimal impact on bars. The government may consider a grace period before the new legislation takes effect to allow time for compliance.
Regarding claims that neighboring regions lack similar measures, a spokesperson noted that places like Singapore have implemented more stringent regulations, such as banning the import and sale of all waterpipes since 2016, without negatively impacting their tourism industry.
The spokesperson urged bar and restaurant owners to refrain from assisting in any violations of smoking regulations and warned that the Department of Health will closely monitor and enforce these laws, targeting illegal smoking activities in bars.
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