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February 17th, 2009:

Raise Tobacco Tax By 25pc

SCMP – Feb 17, 2009

Smoking is clearly a serious problem in Hong Kong. Even with the smoking ban in force in indoor premises, some stubborn people continue to ignore it.

This is evident at local public housing estates and malls run by THE LINK REIT. There have been calls on the government to raise taxes on cigarettes and extend smoking bans, yet the government has not come up with significant plans regarding smoking.

In some parts of California bans on smoking outdoors are already in place. Why can’t we do the same in Hong Kong?

We do need to see further action being taken. And I really do hope that Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah will announce a 25 per cent tax increase on tobacco in his budget on February 25.

SAMUEL CHAN, SHA TIN