A smoking policy concern group on Monday said a government proposal banning flavored cigarettes and shisha products would greatly affect the business of local bars.

This came a day after health minister Lo Chung-mau said the government aims to table an amendment of the anti-smoking law at Legco in April, which will include a ban on e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco, among other measures.

The Long-term Tobacco Policy Concern Group said according to its survey of 514 bar customers in Lan Kwai Fong and Knutsford Terrace last month, four out of five said they would go to bars less often if the government pushes ahead with the ban, while 70 percent said they will consider visiting bars on the mainland instead.

The Licensed Bar and Club Association of HK echoed that view, saying "extreme" tobacco-control measures would deal a further blow to the night-time economy.

In response, the Health Bureau said shisha is only allowed in 10 percent of the city's bars, so it won't have a strong impact.

The bureau also said the government will consider offering a grace period to bars and patrons before the new law takes effect.