80% of bar patrons in Hong Kong discouraged by proposed tobacco ban: poll
By Lam Ka-sing
About 80 per cent of bar-goers will be discouraged by a proposed flavoured tobacco product and shisha ban with many considering patronising mainland Chinese establishments instead, a survey by concern group in Hong Kong has found.
Pub operators on Monday also predicted a 30 per cent loss of patrons if the government proposal was approved.
The Long Term Tobacco Policy Concern Group gathered the views of 514 customers at popular nightlife districts Lan Kwai Fong and Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui last month.
The group found that 80 per cent of respondents felt less desire to spend at local pubs if the ban takes effect, while 70 per cent would consider patronising mainland establishments instead.
“This is pulling out the last straw in such a terrible situation,” said Ben Leung, charter president of the Licensed Bar and Club Association of Hong Kong, which represents more than half of the city’s 1,300 licensed venues, on Monday.
“Should so many measures be pushed forward in the current poor economic environment in such a tough and aggressive way?”
Leung expected a 20 to 30 per cent loss in patrons, or more in reality, and more closures to hit the industry if the ban was implemented because of fewer choices.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Lam Ka-sing
About 80 per cent of bar-goers will be discouraged by a proposed flavoured tobacco product and shisha ban with many considering patronising mainland Chinese establishments instead, a survey by concern group in Hong Kong has found.
Pub operators on Monday also predicted a 30 per cent loss of patrons if the government proposal was approved.
The Long Term Tobacco Policy Concern Group gathered the views of 514 customers at popular nightlife districts Lan Kwai Fong and Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui last month.
The group found that 80 per cent of respondents felt less desire to spend at local pubs if the ban takes effect, while 70 per cent would consider patronising mainland establishments instead.
“This is pulling out the last straw in such a terrible situation,” said Ben Leung, charter president of the Licensed Bar and Club Association of Hong Kong, which represents more than half of the city’s 1,300 licensed venues, on Monday.
“Should so many measures be pushed forward in the current poor economic environment in such a tough and aggressive way?”
Leung expected a 20 to 30 per cent loss in patrons, or more in reality, and more closures to hit the industry if the ban was implemented because of fewer choices.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
