Large-Scale Survey Shows Strong Public Support for Expanded Tobacco Control Measures in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health data reveal broad approval for policies including flavour bans, plain packaging and smoking restrictions
A comprehensive series of tobacco control surveys conducted by the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) has found substantial public backing for strengthened anti-smoking policies across the territory, highlighting widespread support for measures aimed at reducing tobacco use and protecting public health.
The findings come amid ongoing government action to revise and tighten tobacco regulations, including the passage of the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 and proposals arising from recent public consultations.
The Tobacco Control Policy-related Survey, compiled annually by COSH in conjunction with academic partners and public agencies, gathers data on smoking behaviour, attitudes toward existing smoke-free laws, and opinions on proposed future controls.
The latest survey results — based on thousands of respondents aged fifteen and above — indicate robust approval for expanding statutory no-smoking areas, increasing tobacco taxes to curb consumption, and implementing additional preventive strategies such as plain packaging and restrictions on flavoured products that make smoking more attractive, particularly to youth and women.
Respondents also expressed strong support for continuing to ban alternative smoking products, including electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, under Hong Kong’s comprehensive tobacco control regime.
COSH and public health advocates have pointed to the survey data in urging legislators to prioritise evidence-based policies that can drive Hong Kong toward a “tobacco-free” future.
The Government’s tobacco control strategy, shaped in part by the public consultation “Vibrant, Healthy and Tobacco-free Hong Kong,” sets a target of lowering smoking prevalence further with a multi-pronged approach that includes regulating supply, suppressing demand, banning promotion, and enhancing cessation support.
The broad approval shown in the COSH studies is seen as reinforcing political momentum for these comprehensive policy actions and signals a strong public health mandate for tougher tobacco control measures.
The findings come amid ongoing government action to revise and tighten tobacco regulations, including the passage of the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 and proposals arising from recent public consultations.
The Tobacco Control Policy-related Survey, compiled annually by COSH in conjunction with academic partners and public agencies, gathers data on smoking behaviour, attitudes toward existing smoke-free laws, and opinions on proposed future controls.
The latest survey results — based on thousands of respondents aged fifteen and above — indicate robust approval for expanding statutory no-smoking areas, increasing tobacco taxes to curb consumption, and implementing additional preventive strategies such as plain packaging and restrictions on flavoured products that make smoking more attractive, particularly to youth and women.
Respondents also expressed strong support for continuing to ban alternative smoking products, including electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, under Hong Kong’s comprehensive tobacco control regime.
COSH and public health advocates have pointed to the survey data in urging legislators to prioritise evidence-based policies that can drive Hong Kong toward a “tobacco-free” future.
The Government’s tobacco control strategy, shaped in part by the public consultation “Vibrant, Healthy and Tobacco-free Hong Kong,” sets a target of lowering smoking prevalence further with a multi-pronged approach that includes regulating supply, suppressing demand, banning promotion, and enhancing cessation support.
The broad approval shown in the COSH studies is seen as reinforcing political momentum for these comprehensive policy actions and signals a strong public health mandate for tougher tobacco control measures.
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