People in Hong Kong ought to stare at people who smoke disapprovingly as a part of efforts to create a tobacco-free metropolis, the territory's well being minister has mentioned.

Professor Lo Chung-mau mentioned individuals who have lit up in areas the place it's prohibited are unlikely to "hit back" if everybody stares at them, native media has reported.

"Cigarettes can harm the health of all of us," Professor Lo advised a gathering of the Legislative Council's well being service panel on Friday.

"When the members of the public see people smoking in non-smoking areas, even if no law enforcement officers can show up immediately, we can stare at the smokers.

"When somebody takes out a cigarette at a restaurant, everybody on the premises can stare at that particular person. I don't imagine that particular person would dare to hit again at everybody on the restaurant as they're merely staring."

Professor Lo mentioned the behaviour would assist to create a "non-smoking culture" within the metropolis.

He continued: "Take queuing at a bus cease for example. No one will say it requires the legislation to compel folks to queue.

"Our society is able to create a culture where people will comply with this rule of queuing when waiting for buses.

"I hope the entire of society can construct a non-smoking tradition."

Read extra world newsEurope braced for higher temperatures during heatwaveUkraine conducts 'special military operation' using speed boatsThree 'mummified' bodies found in Rocky Mountains

Professor Lo additionally warned authorities will use surveillance footage or video clips supplied by members of the general public as proof to crack down on people who smoke lighting up in restricted areas, the South China Morning Post experiences.

Statutory no-smoking areas in Hong Kong embody components of eating places, workplaces, indoor public locations and a few outside public locations, with penalties of HK$1,500 (£147) for breaches.

On Wednesday, well being authorities in Hong Kong launched a public session paper for brand new methods to sort out smoking.

Ideas included banning folks born after a sure date from shopping for cigarettes and whether or not to extend the tax on tobacco to 75% of the bundle value in a speedy or gradual manner.