E-Cigarette Pioneer Hon Lik Rarely Speaks Out: Opposes Hong Kong’s Vaping Ban Proposal

Recently, Mr. Hon Lik, widely known as the father of e-cigarettes, rarely spoke out in response to Hong Kong’s recently announced proposal to ban e-cigarettes. He expressed hope that the Hong Kong government would reconsider the proposal for a total ban on vapor products, as it would affect the lives of adult vapor users and smokers who may consider switching to potentially less harmful products. 　　Hon Lik stressed that he understands Hong Kong’s cautious stance on vapor products and its concern over reports of youth vaping in the United States. However, a ban may have the opposite effect, and evidence from countries including the United States and the United Kingdom shows that pragmatic regulation of vapor products can help accelerate the decline in adult smoking rates.

　　It is understood that Hon Lik currently serves as an R&D consultant at Fontem Ventures, under tobacco giant Imperial Brands. The company recently submitted evidence to the Hong Kong Chief Executive’s Office showing that vapor products can help reduce the harms of tobacco and improve smoking outcomes for adults in Hong Kong, recommending that adults in Hong Kong be allowed to legally purchase vapor products and that adult smokers should be given the right to choose.