DAB now backs govt plan to ban e-cigarettes

A government bill to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products is finally making some progress in Legco, with the biggest party in the council, the DAB, now throwing its support behind the proposal.

The amendment bill, which was introduced in February 2019, would outlaw the import, manufacture, sale, distribution and advertisement of alternative smoking products.

But its vetting had reached a deadlock because some lawmakers prefer regulation over a complete ban.

While DAB councillors had voiced different opinions in the past, chairwoman Starry Lee said on Thursday that they have now decided to back the government’s plan.

“We, from time to time, review and receive comments from our members. Up to now, we kind of decide to take the stance to agree to ban both types of cigarettes, because we believe that it is for the benefit of the younger generation especially,” Lee said.

With the support of other parties like the Federation of Trade Unions and the New People’s Party, the government looks to have garnered enough support to secure the bill’s passage.

Lawmakers are expected to hold a meeting on Friday next week where the government will finalise its stance on whether heated tobacco products should be banned or regulated.