From: Harbour Times [Hong Kong, SAR]
by Alex Fok
Two former police superintendents advise against extreme action to eliminate smoking through high taxation. They argue that the cigarette black market, if given a shot in the arm through higher taxes, can do great harm to Hong Kong society.
As free as Hong Kong’s economy is, it is not particularly known for showing leniency to the smoking population. However, a recent survey by Hong Kong United Against Illicit Trade (HKUAIT) suggested that the Government may be chasing the wrong rabbit down the wrong rabbit hole.
The survey, commissioned to market research company Ipsos which interviewed 1,007 citizens aged 18 and above last December, showed that nearly 90% of the respondents see illicit tobacco trade as a problem that the Government should prioritise.
