Hong Kong - Broadcasting authorities in Hong Kong were preparing Friday to lift a ban on the advertising of anti-smoking nicotine patches and gum. The proposed lifting of the prohibition, which must be approved by the government, would end a 30-year ban on adverts for "smoking cures," which was introduced to avoid misleading commercials.
In a consultation paper distributed Friday, the territory's Broadcasting Authority said lifting the ban would acknowledge the "right of smokers to know about smoking cessation products."
About 30 different types of nicotine chewing gum, patches and inhalers are on sale without a prescription in pharmacies across the city of 6.9 million.
Around one in five Hong Kong men smoke, compared with more than 60 per cent in mainland China. A law banning smoking in restaurants, bars and public areas was introduced at the beginning of 2007.
