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Lam Ka-sing

About 80 per cent of bar-goers will be discouraged by a proposed ban on flavoured tobacco products and shisha in Hong Kong with many considering patronising mainland Chinese establishments instead, a survey by concern group has found.
Pub operators on Monday also predicted a 30 per cent loss of patrons if the government proposal was approved.
The Long Term Tobacco Policy Concern Group gathered the views of 514 customers at popular nightlife districts Lan Kwai Fong and Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui last month.
The group found that 80 per cent of respondents would feel less desire to spend at local pubs if the ban took effect, while 70 per cent would consider patronising mainland establishments instead.
“This is pulling out the last straw in such a terrible situation,” said Ben Leung Lap-yan, charter president of the Licensed Bar and Club Association of Hong Kong, which represents more than half of the city’s 1,300 licensed venues.
“Should so many measures be put forward in the current poor economic environment in such a tough and aggressive way?”
Leung expected at least a 20 to 30 per cent loss in patrons and increased closures in the industry if the ban was implemented, because of fewer choices for consumers.

The Health Bureau defended the proposed ban on Monday and said only about 10 per cent of bars had outdoor areas where smoking cigarettes or shisha was legally permitted.
The bureau added that the harm to tourism could be minimal, citing Singapore’s 2016 ban on shisha imports and sales to support its view.
But Leung argued that Hong Kong had been “the slowest in the recovery of the night economy ecosystem” compared with regional competitors. He noted that neither the mainland nor nearby countries such as Japan and South Korea had implemented similarly strict bans on heated tobacco or shisha.
“Shisha is a trend in our industry and the future,” Leung said, explaining that the product could help grow footfall in the catering industry.
He warned that an outright ban could lead to the emergence of unlicensed venues, “which will exacerbate social problems”.
Leung also accused Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau of only considering the impact of policies on healthcare and not the broader economy, as well as failing to consult adequately with affected sectors.
The industry figure added he had seen a 15 per cent decline in business after the implementation of indoor smoking bans more than a decade ago, which was already a more prosperous time.
“The ‘Night Vibes Hong Kong’ campaign cannot be effective with only the government’s positive rhetoric,” Leung said. “The social responsibility that pubs and the night entertainment industry shoulder is to relieve people’s stress and serve as a venue for leisure, entertainment, relaxation and socialising.”
The survey also showed that bar customers with smoking habits had a decent amount of spending power, and most patronised venues in groups, which created larger bills.
Most of the customers, or 73 per cent, spent between HK$301 and HK$1,000 each, while one in 10 spent more than HK$1,000.
Leung said the catering industry would suffer greatly and the city’s global image would be hurt if patrons were put off by the tobacco control measures and stopped spending in bars.
He urged the government to consider views from more parties to avoid another policy reversal similar to the recent withdrawal of a controversial waste-charging scheme.
The government aims to submit a bill to the Legislative Council in April to outlaw the personal possession of alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, in addition to the ban on the import, promotion, manufacturing, sale or possession for commercial purposes imposed in 2022.
Authorities plan to first prohibit the possession and use of e-cigarette cartridges in public places in mid-2026 before the second stage of a citywide ban.
The concern group called for more moderate control, with flavoured tobacco and shisha options to be kept for adult smokers.
“In a downturn, spending power shrinks, which will only exacerbate the problem of illicit cigarettes in the black market,” group convenor Joe Lo Kai-lut said.
“Coupled with the dying night economy, it is the worst timing if the government still pushes for a ban on flavoured cigarettes or flavoured shisha at this time.”
Only five countries in the world, such as Turkey, prohibited novelty tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and flavoured tobacco at the same time, Lo said.
He noted that a decline in the government’s takings from cigarette tax under the proposed measures was inappropriate amid the current budget deficit, which is forecast to reach nearly HK$100 billion.
The Health Bureau said it would consider setting an adaptation period before implementing new regulations. It also reminded operators that selling smoking products required compliance with existing promotional and sales restrictions, with fines of up to HK$50,000 for violations.


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80% of bar patrons in Hong Kong discouraged by proposed tobacco ban: poll

A bar in Tsim Sha Tsui East. Pub patronage could drop if a proposed ban flavoured tobacco product is implemented. Photo: Eugene Lee

Pub operators have predicted a 30 per cent loss of patrons if the ban is approved. Photo: Eugene Lee

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The government plans to first prohibit possessing and using e-cigarette cartridges in public places in mid-2026 before the second stage of a citywide ban. Photo: Eugene Lee

Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau. Photo: Sun Yeung

Hong Kong plans to ban vaping, possessing e-cigarette cartridges in public: source

E-cigarettes cartridges have become the subject of mounting public scrutiny in recent months over their use to conceal a new drug dubbed “space oil”. Photo: Nora Tam

A resident in Mong Kok passes a banner outlining the city’s ban on smoking in certain locations. Photo: Dickson Lee

Malaysia has to clear the air on vaping laws

A man smokes an electronic cigarette. Photo: AP

Malaysia’s government has said it is prepared to reconsider a complete ban on vaping. Photo: Shutterstock

A woman smokes an e-cigarette at a vaping fair in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP

Vietnam bans vapes, will fine tourists up to US$78 and jail e-cigarette traders, producers

Vietnam has announced a ban on the sale and use of vapes. Photo: Shutterstock

A man smokes a disposable vape. Tourists caught vaping in Vietnam face a fine, while those found selling the e-cigarettes face much bigger fines and jail terms of up to 15 years. Photo: Reuters

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Hong Kong

Health & Environment

Hong Kong Economy

Many respondents also say they will opt for mainland establishments if ban is implemented


Many respondents also say they will opt for mainland establishments if ban is implemented.


Hong Kong society

Smoking and vaping

Hong Kong tourism

Singapore