Period of ID Presentation in Cigarette Sales Coming Within the Scope of Anti-Tobacco Efforts

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that with a new bill prepared to increase the fight against tobacco products, the requirement of identification and a Turkish ID number for cigarette sales will be introduced, stating that the regulation will come to Parliament within a few weeks.

Bill Being Submitted to Parliament

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu evaluated current studies in the field of health during a television program he attended and touched upon new regulations prepared for the fight against tobacco.

Stating that the requirement to present an ID and a Turkish ID number in cigarette sales will be introduced, Minister Memişoğlu expressed that they will submit the relevant bill to Parliament within a few weeks.

Smoking Rates and Risks

Conveying that Turkey achieved significant successes in the fight against tobacco in the past but that an increase in usage rates has been observed recently, Minister Memişoğlu emphasized that smoking lies at the root of fatal diseases.

Pointing out that smoking rates are on an upward trend among youth and women, Memişoğlu noted that Turkey ranks second in the world in smoking.

Main Purpose and Objectives of the Regulation

It was announced that the primary purpose of the prepared new bill is to reduce the visibility of cigarettes and eliminate the perception of it as a normal habit.

It was stated that presenting an ID will be made mandatory in order to effectively inspect sales to those under eighteen years of age.

Electronic Cigarettes and Indoor Measures

Warning that electronic cigarettes are three times more harmful compared to regular cigarettes, Minister Memişoğlu reported that restrictions in indoor areas will also be clarified.