Iraq to introduce strict smoking ban in public places and tighten tobacco advertising

Nov.06.2024

Iraq enacts comprehensive smoking ban, with strict controls on public smoking, tobacco advertising restrictions, fines for violations, an under-18 smoking ban, and plans to use taxes to fund quit-smoking programs.

According to AR.Vaping Post on November 5, Iraq’s Parliamentary Health and Environment Committee announced that it will soon pass a law aimed at protecting society from the harms of tobacco.

Key measures in the new law include:

Smoking ban in enclosed spaces: The new law will fully prohibit smoking, including hookah and e-cigarettes, in enclosed spaces such as government facilities, schools, universities, religious sites, and gas stations.

Fines for violations: Anyone caught smoking, using hookah, or vaping in these locations will be fined 50,000 Iraqi dinars.

Restrictions on tobacco advertising: The law will ban tobacco advertising, set a legal age of use, and prohibit smoking for those under 18.

Additional tax on tobacco products: An additional tax on tobacco products is proposed to fund health awareness campaigns and smoking cessation programs, with tax stamps required on cigarette packs and hookahs.

Authorities acknowledge that enforcement of the law may face challenges. On one hand, many cafes and restaurants rely on hookah to attract customers and may resist the ban; on the other, fully implementing the law will test regulatory capabilities.

References:

[1] العراق : غرامة 50 ألف دينار لاستخدام السجائر الالكترونية في المؤسسات الحكومية والجامعات

Also Read:

[1] Plane Explosion at Iraclioun Airport Caught Authority's Attention

[2] Iraqi City Destroys Over 26,000 E-Cigarettes Amid Health Concerns.

#Traditional tobacco #Legislation #Middle East #Iraq

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