'Surge in illegal cigarette ads alarming'

District councillors on Tuesday expressed concern over a surge in illegal cigarette advertisements, with bus stops, trash cans, and shopping mall restrooms becoming hotspots for these illicit promotions. The proliferation of these advertisements has prompted calls for stricter enforcement to prevent further distribution. “The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office must take decisive measures to comprehensively crack down on these activities,” said District Councillor Leung Ka-wai. The government recently proposed 10 short-term tobacco control measures, but Sha Tin District Councillor Eddie Lam cautioned against implementing tobacco restrictions all at once, citing that rash measures could stimulate the black market, pushing more smokers towards illicit cigarettes, and exacerbating the issue. “We think that the government should implement policies in phases, it might be more effective instead of the 10 short-term policies at the same time,” said Lam. Lam suggested looking at other overseas practices for reference. "Governments that have implemented flavoured cigarette controls have adopted phased implementation, such as the EU and Canada, which first banned fruit-flavoured cigarettes rather than implementing a blanket ban. The authorities should take this as a reference."