【明報專訊】The first instalment of the government's electronic Consumption Voucher Scheme (CVS) has been disbursed. In general, consumption markets have reacted favourably, but there have also been some irregularities. A drugstore charged customers an extra "service fee", while some citizens complained about price hikes by merchants who took advantage of the CVS. Meanwhile, some stall owners in wet markets have grumbled that the CVS did not help their business and only big merchants could benefit from it. The effectiveness of consumption vouchers in stimulating the economy depends on many factors. One common problem is the inflationary pressure that may be caused. The authorities should monitor the situation closely and follow up the various irregularities related to consumption vouchers. One of the goals of the CVS is to promote e-payment. Although an increasing number of small businesses have accepted e-payment in recent months, the major reason behind that has been the short-term incentives offered by the government and payment service providers to encourage the installation of e-payment systems. Once the incentives are removed, there might be a regression to the former state. To promote e-payment, the authorities have to be far-sighted and perseverant.