Raising tobacco tax may help curb smoking, but may bring more illicit cigarette activities, Deputy Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Ingrid Yeung says, adding the issue has to be carefully considered.

Speaking on a radio talkshow today, Mrs Yeung said the Government has to consider the economic situation and the impact on illicit cigarette activities before adjusting the tax. The Financial Secretary will review the tax revenue and the bureau will consider the tax rise in due course.

On the proposal to expand the smoking ban to all indoor venues, Mrs Yeung said it is being examined by lawmakers, adding pubs will not be exempted. The Government will explore the possibility of extending the ban to other public places through a step-by-step approach, including parks, after the passage of the bill.

Council on Smoking & Health Chairman Dr Homer Tso said the smoking population has increased to 820,000. He said higher tobacco prices and heavier tax will cut the smoking population, particularly youngsters. Dr Tso suggested a rise in tobacco tax.