2023-10-24 11:00:00
After the interfederal agreement presented a year ago, the Minister of Health Franck Vandenbroucke returns with a new national catalog of 10 measures, approved last Friday in the Council of Ministers. The objective is simple: to reduce the bad influence of tobacco on the health of Belgians. By helping people to stop smoking or, more simply, to never start.
It is in fact one of the main causes of death in the country. Every day, nearly 40 Belgians die from smoking, 14,000 per year. Not to mention 300,000 people who suffer from tobacco-related illnesses. According to the 2022 report of the Cancer Foundation, 24% of the Belgian population smokes, 19% of them daily, around 14 cigarettes per day.
If certain measures risk getting people talking, others still remain at the stage of the catalog of good intentions…
Work ahead for traders
A display ban will apply from January 1, 2025. From this date, it will be illegal for anyone to display cigarettes, vapes, or any similar product in a visible manner in their store. Products should be placed in a separate room or stored in a drawer or cabinet so as not to be exposed. You will therefore have to review the way your business is configured…
In addition, the law will require proof of age to be requested from any buyer if the person appears to be under 25 years old.
More places where tobacco will be outlawed
Temporary sales outlets – such as festivals – will no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products from 2025. In addition, the ban on the sale of tobacco products in supermarkets larger than 400 m² will be brought forward. This ban will come into effect on July 1, 2025, 6 months earlier than planned.
However, Horeca establishments will be able to continue to sell tobacco. Smoking areas will also remain authorized, but access to them will be prohibited for minors.
Expanded and better signposted non-smoking areas
From January 1, 2025, a smoking ban will be enforced in many places across the country, especially where many children and young people go. In 2022, it had already been decided to ban cigarettes from amusement parks, animal parks, petting zoos and playgrounds, among others. The list is expanded on and next to sports fields, with the exception of Horeca terraces located nearby. However, a smoking area can be set up in these places, out of sight.
Smoking will also be prohibited within a radius of 10 meters at the entrance and exit of healthcare, reception and educational establishments, as well as public libraries. The obligation to indicate this non-smoking area will also be introduced.
Smoking in a taxi is over
Smoking was already banned on public transport but the measure now also extends to so-called “professional” modes of transport.
Increase in tobacco taxes
During the budget conclave, it was decided to introduce additional excise duties on tobacco and other tobacco products. The price of a pack of cigarettes is expected to increase by an additional 2 euros.
Stricter controls
From next year, inspection services will have additional powers to protect public health. Thus, if they notice any violations, they may proceed with a possible closure of the controlled establishment. The latter can range from one hour to 30 days maximum.
A use of “mystery shopping” is also being considered.
Electronic cigarettes in the viewfinder
Currently, a royal decree already makes it possible to limit the appeal of these products. The federal government wants to implement a ban on disposable electronic cigarettes from 2025. A response from the European Commission is expected on this subject in spring 2024, after the federal and European legislative elections therefore…
Nicotine sachets: persona non grata
Since October 1, 2023, the sale of nicotine sachets has been prohibited in our country.
Better therapeutic reimbursement?
The reimbursement of new treatments, namely nicotine replacement therapies, is currently being examined by the Medicines Reimbursement Commission. A decision will be made in spring 2024.
Better standardization of rules
A health warning and standardized packaging will be mandatory for all tobacco products and herbal smoking products (vapes, water pipes, etc.). The online sale of tobacco, already banned, will extend to devices allowing these products to be smoked.
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