Belgium will ban the use of tobacco vending machines in bars and restaurants, but not in supermarkets, according to a decision made by the country's parliamentary public health committee on October 19, as reported by The Brussels Times.
The federal government is backing a bill proposed by Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke that would ban tobacco vending machines in the hotel industry. Federal MP Els Van Hoof paved the way for a similar bill in 2016, emphasizing that the ban should make it more difficult for minors to access cigarettes.
Since 2006, tobacco vending machines in Belgium have only been accessible through a special age verification coin that is not supposed to be accessible to minors. However, in practice, these coins have been widely used by underage buyers.
The ban will come into effect after a transition period yet to be determined, allowing the industry time to dismantle these machines.
According to new regulations, Belgium will join countries such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and France in restricting the sale of tobacco products through vending machines.
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