There are 350 million smokers in China, and consumed 37% of tobacco in the world. Judith Mackay had discussed the issue on Jan. 22, 2010. Please click here to watch the presentation.
February 9th, 2010:
Video: Judith Mackay discusses efforts to curb smoking in China, the world’s largest tobacco market
Clear The Air successful in persuading HKG Government to change litter bins in non smoking areas
Ashtrays in rubbish bins encourage smoking.
29/11/2009
Dear FHB,
Can you please explain why, in an indoor pedestrian overpass, it is the official policy of the FHB to put out rubbish bins with ashtrays in them ? It is illegal to carry a lighted tobacco product here, so anyone using the ashtrays is breaking the law – assisted by the FHB policy that mandates ashtrays on rubbish bins.
These ashtrays encourage smokers to smoke in places where it is illegal. You may contact your own FEHD Tobacco Control office and the Council On Smoking and Health, who will each tell you that ashtrays in rubbish bins encourage smoking (legal and illegal) – and send the wrong message to the public. When you put out ashtrays the message you are sending is “We want you to smoke here !!! We will even clean up your butts for you !!! “
Also, most smokers do not extinguish their butts before tossing them in ashtrays, so they cigarette continues to “smoke” and pollute the air long after the smoker has left.
Can the FHB please instruct the FEHD to remove the tops of all rubbish bins in all covered locations where smoking is illegal – or replace them with rounded tops (not flat tops, which are used as ashtrays). You will notice that the MTR does not put ashtrays or lids on their rubbish bins anymore. They have learned that it just encourages smoking.
You may contact Tobacco Control who have many reports from me of illegal smoking in places that have ashtrays on rubbish bins, but very few where there are no ashtrays.
Please set the correct rubbish bin policy for health, while de-normalizing smoking, and do not reward illegal smoking by providing ashtrays or flat topped rubbish bin covers.
Finally, can you please wait to reply to this email until after you have contacted both Tobacco Control and COSH and come up with an integrated plan to eliminate government provided ashtrays completely and flat top rubbish bins from all statutory non-smoking areas
I am happy to give a tour to anyone at the FHB to show how putting out ashtrays – and flat top rubbish bins, actually rewards people who smoke illegally.
Thank you.
Regards,
Annelise Connell
FHB had replied the e-mail. Hit the jump and see the reply letter.