Quit smoking ads in the air

The anti-smoking lobby may get a boost if the Broadcasting Authority decides to lift the ban on advertising of products and services that help people quit smoking.

The proposal is part of an effort to correspond with the anti-smoking policy imposed by the government.

A spokeswoman for the drug company Pfizer said yesterday the move may potentially lead to increased sales of its Champix product, a tablet designed to make a smoker quit his or her habit.

However, any increase in sales would depend in part on doctors who prescribe such products to patients, she said.

"Patients still need to consult a doctor and get assessed before they can get a prescription for products such as Champix," the spokewoman said.

"However, I believe the Broadcasting Authority's aim is to help people quit smoking," she said.

"The allowing of advertising of smoking cessation products [on TV and radio] will help raise awareness."

However, Gigi Lui Ho-gi, a design director at the advertising agency Eight Partnership, does not foresee companies making nicotine replacement therapy products rushing to its doors.

"These products probably already have their own markets. To be honest, everybody who started smoking already knows these products exist; it is not a big deal," Lui said.

The authority has invited suggestions from the public.

Adele Wong
The Standard, 17 October 2008