Romania to Increase Fines for Violating Smoking Ban Law

Key highlights:

Romania is set to increase the fines for violating smoking bans, with individual fines reaching up to 2,250 lei (490 USD).

The proposed law aims to expand the scope of smoke-free areas, covering a wide range of locations.

The new regulations require strengthening tobacco product labeling and health warnings.

According to Jurnal's report on March 5th, fines for smoking in designated non-smoking areas in Romania are set to increase. Individuals caught smoking in prohibited areas could face fines of up to 2,250 lei (490 USD) or 40 to 60 hours of community service. For businesses, fines could go as high as 15,000 lei (3,300 USD) and have their right to operate for up to a year revoked. Those caught smoking in non-smoking areas or selling tobacco products to minors could face fines of up to 20,000 lei (4,400 USD).

The amendment to the tobacco control legislation has been discussed in a meeting of the Social Protection, Health, and Family Affairs Committee and will be voted on in the full session of Congress. This document was created jointly by the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency.

The bill also requires that sales be accompanied by proof of origin provided by the manufacturer or importer to verify the source of tobacco products. Additionally, the scope of smoke-free areas will be expanded, with several new smoking bans being introduced. Open public places including government institutions, healthcare, education, social, cultural, and sports facilities, workplaces, near windows, sports venues, children's playgrounds, beaches, and public transportation stops will not allow smoking. Owners and users of these places must ensure that secondhand smoke is not present.

The bill also introduces new labeling and health warning requirements for relevant products. E-cigarettes, e-liquids, and herbal smoking products, among others, will be required to display health warnings covering 30% of the packaging, clearly indicating nicotine content and associated risks.

The purpose of this bill is to align domestic laws with EU laws and comply with the regulations of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, with the aim of protecting citizens from the harms of tobacco products.