Hong Kong health minister urges people to publicly stare down smokers

Hong Kong residents have been advised to stare down smokers lighting up in restricted public places, according to the South China Morning Post.

“When the members of the public see people smoking in non-smoking areas, even if no law enforcement officers can show up immediately, we can stare at the smokers,” Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said at a meeting of a health service panel.

“When someone takes out a cigarette at a restaurant, everyone on the premises can stare at that person. I do not believe that person would dare to hit back at everyone at the restaurant as they are simply staring.”

This directive came at the heels of stricter anti-smoking rules such as banning people born after a certain date from buying cigarettes and possibly increasing Hong Kong’s tobacco tax.

Chung-mau also gave a warning that authorities would review surveillance footage or video clips provided by residents of those breaking the rules, which could be used as evidence to crack down on smoking in restricted spots.