Stare at smokers to make them stop smoking in public, says health expert

15 July 2023 , 10:48

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People in Hong Kong have been told to stare at smokers in an attempt to discourage them (Image: Getty Images)

Health bosses in Hong Kong have urged people to stare at smokers in an attempt to stop them.

As the city attempts to create a tobacco-free zone, its health secretary says looking at smokers as they light up in areas where is banned will discourage them.

Professor Lo Chung-mau admitted police can't be expected to catch the smokers, as he answered questions about how to make the city a cleaner place.

Hong Kong is currently debating toughening its anti-tobacco measures.

Currently, smoking is banned inside workplaces, restaurants, indoor public spaces, and some outdoor areas.

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A public consultation was launched in the city to reduce smoking, and Professor Lo said officials have urged the public to play an important role.

It comes as health professionals try to stop smoking in the city (Michael Ho Wai Lee/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock)

The professor, who is also a medical doctor, said smoking was bad for the health of everyone and Hong Kong needed a "culture in society that people are willing to comply with the law", the BBC reports.

He added: "When the members of the public see people smoking in non-smoking areas, even if no law enforcement officers can show up immediately, we can stare at the smokers."

A public consultation was launched in the city to reduce smoking (Getty Images)

The meeting's health panel explained that law enforcement would be improved.

At the moment, breaking current smoking rules is punishable with a fine of up HK$1,500 - which is roughly £146.

Professor Lo said when police "arrive at the scene, the crime may have already stopped" which will prevent them from taking action, going on to suggest smoking rules should be enforced like etiquette over waiting for a bus.

At the moment, breaking current smoking rules is punishable with a fine of up HK$1,500 - which is roughly £146 (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

He said: "No one will say it requires the law to compel people to queue. Our society is able to create a culture where people will comply with this rule of queuing when waiting for buses. I hope the whole of society can build a non-smoking culture."

Among the new measures being considered by Hong Kong's government are banning people born after a certain year from buying tobacco products and significantly increasing the tax on a packet of cigarettes.

Sean McPolin