Smokers wishing to enjoy a quiet puff on one of Portugal’s idyllic beaches may soon be denied even this pleasure as the European Commission prepares further measures to combat tobacco consumption.
Banning smoking on beaches, imposing a minimum smoking age, and maintaining the commitment to increase prices through taxation are three of the measures to penalise those indulging in this life-threatening habit.
These new ideas were announced by the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Vytenis Andriukaitis, during the opening session of the 7th European Conference in Oporto on ‘Tobacco and Health,’ an event organised by the Portuguese League against Cancer.
"We need more implementation and enforcement of existing laws, a real change on the ground," said Andriukaitis.
The European Commissioner notes that legislation should be tougher on tobacco control measures in order to reduce consumption, as there are ‘devastating consequences’ for the health and economy of member states.
Vytenis Andriukaitis pointed out that some of the new EU measures to be implemented include, "making all public spaces smoke-free," citing beaches in particular.
The Commissioner also pointed out that "minimum age rules for smoking" and "raising awareness about tobacco in schools and other settings" can be applied, as well as "regulating sales outlets, including vending machines", "reducing exposure to advertising" and "using prices and taxes to help smokers quit."
In addition to these consumer-focused measures, the EU already is implementing a "sound system" to combat the illicit tobacco trade, according to Andriukaitis who failed to spot that the system may be sound but that it is not working.
Andriukaitis also said that electronic cigarettes should be monitored more carefully, noting that "if they are considered as a tool to quit smoking, then they should be authorised as pharmaceuticals and sold in pharmacies," no doubt with an increased tax and thus at a higher price than currently.
