In a unique attempt to dissuade smoking in public spaces, Hong Kong’s top health official has proposed a novel approach: mutual, silent disapproval from onlookers. According to the region’s health secretary, Lo Chung-mau, giving a stare to smokers when they light up a cigarette in public could act as a potent deterrent.
Lo made this unconventional suggestion during a Legislative Council meeting last week, where he addressed the damaging effects of cigarettes on both smokers and those around them, as reported by South China Morning Post.
“When someone takes out a cigarette at a restaurant, everyone on the premises can stare at that person,” said Lo, challenging conventional norms around public etiquette in a bid to curb smoking. “I do not believe that person would dare to hit back at everyone at the restaurant as they are simply staring.”
Hong Kong has strict laws against smoking in various public settings, including restaurants, workplaces, and certain outdoor areas. Any individual caught in violation of these laws faces a fine of up to 1,500 Hong Kong dollars ($192). However, the enforcement of these restrictions can sometimes be challenging in the absence of law enforcement officers.
Lo suggested the public could serve as informal enforcers by staring down those breaking the rules. “When the members of the public see people smoking in non-smoking areas, even if no law enforcement officers can show up immediately, we can stare at the smokers,” he stated.
The health secretary’s statement is part of a broader effort by Hong Kong to combat the public health menace of smoking. The government recently introduced a public consultation paper aimed at making the city smoke-free.
There are several anti-smoking measures under consideration, including imposing an outright ban on people born after a certain date from purchasing cigarettes. There’s also a proposal for a tax hike on tobacco, aimed at discouraging consumption through a financial disincentive.
Public health officials worldwide have long battled the health risks associated with smoking. This unusual initiative by Hong Kong authorities, to leverage social pressure against smoking, represents a fresh, grassroots approach to this enduring problem. The effectiveness of this initiative, however, is yet to be tested and will depend largely on the community’s willingness to engage.
Cigarette smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths globally. According to the World Health Organization, it is responsible for over 8 million deaths each year. As cities like Hong Kong continue to seek out innovative ways to protect public health, all eyes — quite literally — will be on how effective these novel strategies prove in the long run. (AA)
