The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) said on Friday that the Health Bureau is considering banning anyone born after 2008 from buying cigarettes in their lifetime.

The council said it is pushing the idea, noting that New Zealand is planning the same move in a bid to eventually phase out smoking in the country.

“Tobacco products are really harmful to everyone. We really hope the youngsters won’t join the smokers,” said COSH chairman, Henry Tong.

But lawmaker Peter Shiu, who represents the wholesale and retail sector, said the idea is extreme and would demonise smokers, adding that adults should have the right to choose whether to smoke or not.

He also rejected a suggestion by COSH for a tax on tobacco to be doubled, saying this would hurt grassroots smokers.

The Health Bureau said it is still working on an anti-smoking strategy and a consultation exercise will be held at the beginning of next year.