New Tobacco Draft from the Ministry of Health: Comprehensive Restrictions on Cigarettes
The draft on tobacco products prepared by the Ministry of Health envisions package standardization, age-verified sales, outdoor restrictions, and a total ban in 2040.
A comprehensive draft on tobacco and tobacco products prepared by the Ministry of Health introduces radical bans and new restrictions on cigarette use and sales.
Parliamentary Process and Timeline
The regulation is expected to be addressed at a meeting planned to be held at the Presidential Complex in the third or last week of this month. Afterwards, the AK Party Parliamentary Group will work on the draft in October.
The proposal is aimed to be discussed first in the Health Commission and then in the General Assembly in November.
Sales and Packaging Regulations
Tobacco products will be kept in closed cabinets that are not visible from the outside, and sales will be carried out through an electronic system with age verification.
The sizes and shapes of the packages will be standardized, and the use of logos or symbols on the products will not be allowed.
Outdoor Restrictions
Smoking will be banned in crowded outdoor areas such as children's parks, sports areas, and beaches.
The existing limits on the use of cigarettes around and in front of schools, hospitals, public buildings, and places of worship will be expanded.
Dining and Hotels
Consumption in dining establishments will be limited to isolated areas not exceeding 10 percent of the establishment, measuring 20 square meters, not visible from the outside, and no service will be provided in these areas.
In hotels, rooms specifically designed for guests who use tobacco may be allocated.
2040 Sales Ban
According to the prepared draft text, the sale of tobacco products or offering them to others for consumption will be completely banned as of January 1, 2040.