The government in Great Britain is planning a far-reaching cigarette ban. Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants to ban smoking completely, step by step. According to this, Brits who are 15 years old or younger in 2024 will not be able to buy cigarettes in the future either. Smoking is also being increasingly restricted in other countries through ever stricter rules and regulations.
The European Commission published a summary in February 2013 report on the implementation of the 2009 Council recommendations on “smoke-free environments”. As a result, all EU states adopted “measures to protect citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke”. However, the measures taken by countries vary considerably in scope and scope.
Cigarette ban under threat of prison
The EU Commission classifies Spain, Greece, Malta, Bulgaria and Ireland as members with the strictest regulations on smoke-free zones. For example, smoking in closed public spaces, public transport and at work is completely prohibited there, with a few exceptions.
Driving with a burning butt can also be expensive in some European countries. In France, Italy, Austria and various other European countries there is a ban on smoking in the car – as long as minors are present.
Outside Europe, many governments are also committed to ensuring the health of their citizens through smoke-free environments. In Mexico, for example, there is a strict anti-tobacco law. There has been a strict ban on smoking in all public places since January 2023. According to that Foreign Office This also applies to public transport, parks, beaches, restaurants and hotels. Violations of any kind can be punished with a fine or even prison time.
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Canada’s government is trying to reduce tobacco consumption among its residents with the so-called “Canada Tobacco Strategy”. This is intended to help achieve the goal of “less than five percent tobacco users by 2035” by “educating teenagers and young adults about the risks of consuming e-cigarettes and tobacco products.”
New Zealand also took active action against the dangers of smoking and, under the leadership of Jacinda Ardern, passed a law banning smoking for all people born after 2009 at the end of 2022. Tobacco would no longer have been allowed to be sold to them for life. However, the government that followed her overturned the law again.