Press Releases
Public consultation on no-smoking proposals extended
The public consultation on the legislative amendments to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance has now been extended for another two weeks, from September 15 to 29, to give more time for interested parties to send in their views.
"We received requests from some associations which have resumed work after the summer holiday, and would like to have more time to consolidate their views and prepare a submission," a spokesman for the Health and Welfare Bureau said today (September 9).
"We hope by extending the consultation period, interested parties as well as members of the public will have more time to send in their comments that will help shape the final proposals to safeguard the public's health against passive smoking," he added.
The Government released the consultation document on June 21 this year to seek comments on a package of no-smoking proposals to further strengthen the tobacco control framework in Hong Kong.
The proposals include suggestions to impose a total ban on smoking in all restaurants; bars and karaokes; schools and tertiary institutions; and all indoor workplaces, through a step-by-step approach.
The proposals also aim at further tightening up control on tobacco advertisement and promotion.
Since publication, the proposals have generated intensive discussion and debate in various sectors of the community. Over 11,000 submissions have been received.
Comments and views can be sent before September 29, 2001 to the Tobacco Control Consultation Taskforce of the Health and Welfare Bureau, 19th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong; or by fax to 2840-0467; or by e-mail to tcct@hwb.gov.hk.
End/Sunday, September 9, 2001
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