Hong Kong authorities are proposing a citywide ban on the possession of e-cigarette cartridges that will start with public places, as part of phased efforts to stop vaping and reduce the smoking rate to 7.8 percent, the Post has reported.

The details of the government’s legislative proposals surfaced following a heated public debate on 10 measures, including banning alternative smoking products (ASPs) and flavored cigarettes, which were recommended by the Health Bureau last June.

Some business leaders have cautioned that the controls may discourage visitors and businesspeople from coming to the city.