Italy is already one of the EU countries with the strictest smoking bans. Now, however, the rules need to be tightened even further. There are plans to extend the smoking ban outside the home when minors and pregnant women are around – and this should include e-cigarettes.
Health Minister Orazio Schillaci wants to change the law, which has been in force for 20 years and has been successful in the fight against nicotine addiction, Italian media reported on Wednesday. According to the minister’s plans, separate smoking areas in cafes and restaurants will be abolished. Advertising of nicotine products and e-cigarettes should be banned.
Resume the fight against smoking
“Given the worrying spread of unhealthy lifestyles, I want to resume the fight against smoking, which is still the main cause of preventable diseases in Italy,” said the health minister and doctor. He referred to the 2021 European Plan against Cancer, which aims to achieve a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040.
The new law the minister is working on addresses the availability of new products such as B. electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, as well as increasing evidence of potential adverse health effects, Schillaci said. “Smoking is not only held responsible for lung cancer, but is also the most important risk factor for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases,” explains the minister. He wanted to prevent “the divergent interests related to tobacco products from being put above health protection”.
Smokers risk fines
Smoking has been banned by law in Italy since 2003 in all public buildings, offices, bars, restaurants, discotheques and hotels, unless there are completely separate smoking areas and a working ventilation system.
The transition period ran until 2005, since then there has been a strict smoking ban. Anyone who nevertheless grabs a cigarette in public areas must take into account a fine of at least 27 euros. If you smoke in the presence of children or pregnant women, you risk a fine of up to 600 euros.
Source: Krone
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