The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health has urged the government to double the tax on cigarettes and increase the price of a pack of cigarettes to HK$84, angering Hong Kong citizens. The government agreed to raise cigarette tax, but it is inclined toward the lowest standard set by the WHO, which will be much lower than the council’s recommendation — about HK$5-HK$8 more only.
However, since manufacturers are also planning to raise cigarette prices, a pack of cigarettes may soon cost you over HK$60 — or a 20 percent increase. Anti-smoking advocates have argued that cigarettes in Hong Kong are still cheaper than cigarettes sold in Singapore, Australia, and Europe, and by doubling the tax, Hong Kong can quickly bring their smoking population down to a single digit percentage.
If you smoke, perhaps it’s time to give up the habit as it is only going to get pricier!
Source: The Sun
Photo: AFP
