To Make Hong Kong A Tobacco-free City, Residents Stare Uncomfortably At Smokers

Residents of Hong Kong have taken an uncommon tactic in their deliberate effort to make the city tobacco-free: intense staring. This one-of-a-kind method depends on the power of visual communication to discourage smokers from lighting up in public places.

Hong Kong's health secretary has proposed measures to assist the city develop a nonsmoking culture. According to the BBC, Lo Chung-mau believes that people in Hong Kong should discourage smoking by looking at anyone who lights up in areas where it is prohibited.

He made the remarks in response to MPs' inquiries about how to build a tobacco-free city. Hong Kong is now discussing tougher anti-tobacco policies.

Bizarre Advice Of Hong Kong's Health Chief Is To "Stare At Smokers To Stop Them"

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Smoking is a dangerous habit that many individuals engage in. To discourage smoking, the Hong Kong government has devised a solution. To achieve a tobacco-free city, the territory's Health Minister suggested that people look at smokers with disapproval.

"Cigarettes can harm the health of all of us," Professor Lo Chung-mau said during a meeting of the Legislative Council's health service panel. "When members of the public see people smoking in non-smoking areas, even if no law enforcement officers can show up immediately."

He added, "We can stare at the smokers."

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He further stated that when someone lights up a cigarette in a restaurant, everyone on the premises is free to stare. "I don't think that person would dare to hit back at everyone in the restaurant who is just staring," he added.

According to Professor Lo, such activity would contribute to the development of a "non-smoking culture." He also threatened that authorities will use surveillance footage provided by the public to crack down on smoking.

Smoking inside restaurants, offices, and some other places is punished by a fine of up to Rs 22,000 under Hong Kong's current smoking legislation.

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The use of intense staring by Hong Kong citizens to eliminate smoking in public places is a novel and eye-catching tactic. While the success and ethical considerations of this technique are debatable, it undoubtedly demonstrates the city's people's commitment and resourcefulness in their pursuit of a tobacco-free future.

It is hoped that by focusing light on this unique method, this article will add to the continuing discussion about smoking cessation and inspire further inventive approaches to combating the global tobacco pandemic.

What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.

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