The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) on Wednesday called on the government to speed up a ban on flavoured tobacco products, saying they make it harder for smokers to quit.

From January to May last year, COSH and the University of Hong Kong polled 5,600 people, of whom 2,600 were smokers.

Researchers found that nearly half of smokers used flavoured cigarettes, with around 40 percent of teenagers in the poll moderately to severely addicted.

Henry Tong, the council’s chairman, said flavoured cigarettes give a false impression to young people that they are less harmful.

“The flavours, which might include mint, strawberry, or even alcohol-tasting flavours, are attractive to young people. They cover up the unpleasant smell and unpleasant feeling caused by traditional cigarettes,” he said.

Last June, health officials announced plans to ban e-cigarettes, flavoured tobacco and lighting up while in a queue. But there is no timeline for the legislation yet.

Tong urged the government to table the amendments to the Legislative Council as soon as possible.

He also brushed off the possible impact on the tourism sector and bar industry if the ban takes effect.

“Usually the economic impact of tobacco control has been exaggerated. We believe that better tobacco control in Hong Kong would attract more businesses and help the economy,” he said.

Tong noted that bars and restaurants saw revenues increase by 30 percent within two years after the indoor smoking ban was introduced in 2007.