Most Hong Kong residents support more smoking control measures, study finds
January 14, 2026 by scmp.com
Most Hong Kong residents support more smoking control measures, study finds
A survey by the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) found that 90% of residents back stronger smoking control, and raising tobacco tax could reduce smoking rates over the next decade. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) study, commissioned by COSH, revealed support for expanded smoke-free areas and a smoking ban in outdoor spaces. Conducted from December 2024 to May the following year, the survey had 5,600 participants, including smokers, former smokers, and non-smokers. Assistant Dean Kelvin Wang Man-ping highlighted widespread public support for increased no-smoking areas as a means to protect public health.