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Smoking and vaping

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Smoking and vaping
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Smoking and vaping. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A smoker in Yichang city, Hubei province on May 31, 2025. China is home to about 350 million smokers, according to the WHO. Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
China consumption

China has the most smokers in the world. Is it harming the economy?

Public health experts warn low taxes on cigarettes risk undermining Beijing’s pursuit of a healthier population.

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Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Smoking is down but why are more Hong Kong women getting lung cancer?

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

‘All reasonable steps’ for site smoking ban include CCTV, cigarette storage

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Editorial | Hong Kong’s progress in quitting tobacco is worth celebrating

The WHO has hailed the city’s tobacco control efforts, which include bringing the smoking rate down to one of the lowest among developed economies.

People smoke beside a rubbish bin in Tsim Sha Tsui on May 27. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong to target flavoured tobacco in next phase of controls: health chief

Health minister says ‘poisoned chalice’ of flavoured e-cigarettes use sugar-coated toxins to mask bitter taste and hook younger people.

Wellness

She quit smoking, then ran an ultra-marathon. How she finally kicked the habit

On World No Tobacco Day, we discover a marathon runner’s secret to quitting smoking and look at Hong Kong’s goal of a smoke-free generation.

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Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Can AI help Hongkongers quit smoking? Health authorities are giving it a go

Office unveils its ‘Chat to Quit’ chatbot pilot initiative as part of annual campaign in June.

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office has said the city’s smoking rate has dropped to 8.5 per cent as of last year. Photo: Jelly Tse
Malaysia

In Malaysia, drug-laced vape seizures stoke US-like ‘zombie epidemic’ fears

Viral ‘zombie vape’ videos prompt arrests and warnings of a growing substance abuse crisis in the country.

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Trending in China

China teacher slams student’s complaint about lack of smoking benches, sparks debate

Educator pens stinging rebuke to ‘tired’ complaining cigarette lover, telling them if they want ‘comfort’ they should go to the library.

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Smoking ban at construction sites must be implemented without delay

Proposed legislation to restrict smoking at sites is a reasonable step towards fostering responsible behaviour and boosting safety.

A banner banning smoking at a construction site in Fanling on May 10. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong society

4 fixed penalty notices issued in first 2 days of expanded smoking ban

Inspectors step up enforcement in commercial districts, conducting 216 checks in two days for alternative smoking products, including vapes.

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Officers from the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office conduct checks for illegal vaping at a bar in Lan Kwai Fong on Friday. Photo: Elson Li
Law

Editorial | Hong Kong’s new vaping ban is a healthy step forward

While some are sceptical of the effectiveness of the latest crackdown on vaping, the city needs to protect the youth from developing a nicotine habit.

Hong Kong society

Online sales of e-cigarettes persist in Hong Kong despite ban

Platforms still shipping products to city despite ban, prompting authorities to boost inspections and digital surveillance.

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Hong Kong society

Stealth vaping continues despite new Hong Kong ban, 4 penalised

Man found vaping in alley near Duke of Windsor Social Services Building calls ban ‘ridiculous’, says it could deter tourists and affect economy.

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A woman is spotted smoking near the footbridge connecting Harcourt Garden and the Central Government Offices in Tamar. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong society

Will Hong Kong vapers go underground as public possession ban kicks in?

Survey finds that among 301 alternative tobacco users, 55 per cent intend to continue vaping discreetly, while 35 per cent plan to switch back to traditional cigarettes.

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From April 30, anyone found with more than five vape pods or 100 heat sticks in public will face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and up to six months in jail, while those with smaller quantities will receive a fixed penalty of HK$3,000. Photo: Warton Li
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong boosts e-cigarette ban awareness in mainland China before ‘golden week’

Authorities ramp up promotion and enforcement before public possession ban on alternative smoking products begins on April 30.

Hong Kong society

What smokers need to know about Hong Kong’s new e-cigarette ban

From April 30, anyone found carrying small amount of alternative tobacco products in public for non-commercial purposes will have to pay HK$3,000.

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Britain

UK agrees ban on cigarette sales for people born after 2008

UK lawmakers approve generational tobacco sales ban, setting the stage for it to become law.

Smoking in England causes around 75,000 deaths per year. Photo: AP
Hong Kong society

Health chief hails tobacco control efforts as smoking rate falls to 8.5%

Prevalence of daily cigarette smokers aged 15 and older fell from 9.1 per cent in 2023.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Editorial | Vape possession ban is vital for protecting Hong Kong’s youth

Combined with education, tough new penalties kicking in from April 30 will help shield our young from a lifetime of nicotine addiction.

Shenzhen

Video | Shenzhen mall toilet doors expose smokers

Special technology has been introduced in men’s toilets as shoppers ignore smoking bans.

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Hong Kong society

Hong Kong to impose 2‑tier penalty for carrying vapes in public from April 30

People carrying small number of e-cigarettes face HK$3,000 penalty, those with larger quantities risk maximum fine of HK$50,000 and up to six months in jail.

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Officers will conduct enforcement in plain clothes against the use of e-cigarettes in public. Photo: Nora Tam
Hong Kong society

Group warns plain packs hinder Hongkongers’ efforts to detect smuggled cigarettes

Survey finds 88 per cent of smokers cannot tell smuggled from taxed cigarettes under proposed plain pack design as advocates call for better QR code system.

Malaysia

‘Just ask for it’: Malaysia’s vape crackdown fails to break the habit

An estimated 1.4 million Malaysian adults vape, despite existing curbs. Many say new laws will simply push them back to cigarettes.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Editorial | Hongkongers stand united on the need for more no-smoking zones

As smokers and non-smokers express support for restrictions, officials must be mindful of the acceptance of stronger tobacco controls.

A new sticker outlining restrictions on smoking is seen posted at the Space Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui on January 1. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

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

Raising tobacco tax progressively could cut the city’s smoking rate significantly within a decade, separate study estimates.

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The fixed penalty for smoking offences has doubled to HK$3,000. Photo: Jelly Tse
Fame and celebrity

Are stars like Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter making smoking cool again?

Smoking is all over pop star imagery and lyrics, but its revival as a glamorous accessory faces pushback from experts.

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Stiffer rules on smoking a step towards a healthier Hong Kong

Hopefully, more visible inspections and the threat of larger fines will prompt smokers to exercise greater restraint in the streets.

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