Estonian Government Plans to Expand Smoke-Free Areas

Jun.27.2024

Estonian government plans to expand smoke-free zones in public areas like beaches and parks, aiming to restrict tobacco use.

According to ERR News, the Estonian government plans to expand smoke-free areas, aiming to limit smoking in public places such as beaches and parks. This policy is intended to equally restrict all tobacco and nicotine products.

Last week, the Estonian government approved its position on European tobacco policy. This includes expanding smoke-free areas on terraces, in parks, on beaches, and in other crowded leisure areas. For example, designated smoking areas with signs and trash bins have been set up on beaches in Latvia and Lithuania.

Aive Telling, Head of Environmental Health and Chemical Safety at the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs, explained the plan.

Today, we are talking about restrictions that still allow individuals to smoke, but in a way that does not harm the health of those around them. This is the most important point in ensuring a smoke-free environment. We must consider others, and this is also key in changing societal attitudes to ensure our actions do not harm others.

Director of the Tartu Health Department, Piret Väljaots, emphasized concerns about compliance with these restrictions.

For example, today, drinking behavior on the beach is being supervised, and people will be reminded that drinking on the beach is not allowed. Similarly, tobacco use may also be monitored during the beach season. However, for public places such as parks, the issue becomes more complicated because these places do not have ongoing legal supervision.

Currently, the Department of Social Affairs does not have a detailed implementation plan yet.

Wei Ling said,

The situation will not change overnight, this is just the beginning of a long-term and broader process. Today, these positions represent the direction we are progressing in Europe.

References:

[1] Smoking may be banned in Estonian parks and beaches

Also Read:

[1] Estonia Bans Products from Companies Supporting Russian Military Machinery

[2] Estonia May Stop Selling PMI, JTI Products Due to Their Presence in Russia

[3] Trend of E-cigarette Use Among Estonian Adolescents

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Altria Q3 2025 Earnings Report: Net Revenue of $6.072 Billion and Launch of on!PLUS in the U.S.

Altria reported Q3 2025 net revenue of $6.072 billion, a 3.0% year-on-year decline. Adjusted EPS increased 3.6% to $1.45. The company expanded its share repurchase program to $2 billion and launched the on!PLUS nicotine pouch in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.

Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai

RFK Jr. Says Public Should Not Follow His Personal Use of Zyn Nicotine Pouches

According to People, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in an interview with The Atlantic that although he frequently uses Zyn nicotine pouches, he does not recommend that Americans imitate his personal habits. His use of nicotine products has drawn renewed attention, alongside ongoing scrutiny of his broader health-related positions.

Dec.04

Exclusive Interview | What’s Changing in Cigars? A Data Firm’s Perspective on the Industry’s Turning Point

As regulations tighten, consumer habits evolve, and new nicotine products reshape the market, the cigar industry is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. In this exclusive interview, 2Firsts speaks with Cigar Sense — a data-driven sensory analysis firm — to explore what’s really changing in cigars, and what it means for manufacturers, retailers, and smokers around the world.

Nov.10

France’s Finance Committee Rejects 2026 Vaping Tax, Backs Online Sales Ban

France’s National Assembly Finance Committee voted to oppose the government’s plan in Article 23 of the 2026 budget bill to tax vaping products at €0.30/10mL for low-nicotine liquids and €0.50/10mL for others (with typical bottles priced €5–€7). Lawmakers arguing against the tax said vaping is less harmful than combustible cigarettes and can aid cessation; others warned of a gateway effect for youth and sustained nicotine dependence.