New bill being prepared to ban tobacco products in Turkey
The new anti-tobacco bill being worked on by the Ministry of Health aims to ban sales to those born after 2015 and completely phase out production after 2040.
Prepared by the Ministry of Health and projected to be submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in October, the new anti-tobacco bill introduces comprehensive bans and restrictions on the production and sale of tobacco products.
Details of the New Bill
Prof. Dr. Toker Ergüder, a faculty member at Health Sciences University Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, shared the details of the new anti-tobacco bill expected to come to the TBMM agenda in October with the public.
The draft, which has reportedly been worked on by the Ministry of Health for about a year, contains important regulations aimed at protecting children, youth, and women from the harms of tobacco products.
Date Limits for Sales and Production
According to the drafted regulation, the use, smoking, and sale of tobacco products will be completely banned for individuals born after January 1, 2015, throughout their lives.
Additionally, it is aimed to completely eliminate the production and sale of tobacco products across Turkey after the year 2040.
Broad Restrictions in Usage Areas
Envisaging radical changes in smoking areas, the bill plans to ban smoking in both open and closed sections of restaurants.
Furthermore, the creation of special smoking areas in parks, gardens, and public building yards that are not visible from the outside is projected.
New Measures in Packaging and Sales
Within the scope of the draft, it is planned to phase out thin cigarettes called 'slim' and release all cigarettes on the market in a standard format.
To limit children's access to tobacco products, it aims to activate an identity verification system and make it impossible for individuals under 18 to purchase these products with a credit card.
Health Tax and Public Support
It is planned to introduce a 'health tax' on cigarette packs and spend the financial resources derived from this tax on preventive and developmental healthcare services.
According to Yeşilay's field research, it is stated that there is over 90 percent support among the general public and approximately 60 percent support among smokers for the prepared regulations.