A bill banning smoking at indoor public places will be tabled at the Legislative Council in May.

This was the message Friday from Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food York Chow made while meeting visiting Canadian Minister of Health Ujjal Dosanjh who shared Canada's experience in tobacco control, according to a government press release.

Chow said, "We have learnt from experience that the best way is to go for a full ban in indoor working places."

He added that "we will be sending a bill to the Legislative Council in May to tighten tobacco control. Key proposals include aban on smoking in indoor workplaces and public places, including restaurants, bars and karaokes with no exemption. The bill will also set more restrictions on the promotion of tobacco products."

Chow said he believed that the legislation will be passed as there is strong public support for banning smoking in all enclosed areas.

"It is not just passing the law itself. We have to ensure the public understand the reasons behind the law so that we can pass the law and implement it with the acceptance of the public," he said.

Editor: Olivia