Germany's Drug Commissioner Calls for Restrictions on Cigarette Sales

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Sep.06.2024

Germany's Drug Commissioner Calls for Restrictions on Cigarette Sales

German Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert suggests limiting cigarette sales to licensed specialty shops to reduce smoking rates.

According to Aerztezeitung's report on September 5th, Burkhard Blienert, the Federal Government's drug commissioner in Germany, believes that selling cigarettes 24 hours a day at convenience stores and gas stations is a mistake.

The lawmaker stated in an interview that

As the only country in the world, we still have 300,000 cigarette vending machines.

He suggested that in order to limit smoking, cigarettes should be sold in licensed specialty shops in the future. He mentioned that similar measures have already been implemented in Sweden or Austria.

The reason for Brina's decision is that Germany has a relatively high smoking rate compared to other European countries. According to the 2024 mid-term Debra study (German Smoking Behavior Survey), the smoking rate among adults is 30%, while the smoking rate among 14 to 17 year olds is 15%.

In addition, Bruniard also hopes to restrict cigarette advertising. Currently, cigarettes can still be promoted outside convenience stores or at events.

The ban will help significantly reduce the smoking rate.

He added that the league agreement also included a provision banning tobacco industry sponsorship in events.

References:

[1] Drogenbeauftragter: Spezialgeschäfte für Zigaretten sollen Raucherquote senken

Also Read:

[1] Police Raid Uncovers Massive Cash and Tax Evasion in Dortmund

[2] German Authorities Bust Illegal Tobacco and E-cigarette Ring in Operation

[3] Illegal E-cigarette Sales in Germany: Growing Concern

[4] Philip Morris International (PMI) Invests $600 Million in Colorado

[5] The Danger of Lithium Batteries: Preventing Fires in Germany

[6] Proper Disposal Guidelines for E-cigarettes and Disposable Products

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

WHO Chief Warns of E-Cigarette Threat to Youth as COP11 Opens in Geneva

More than 1,400 delegates from 162 Parties convened in Geneva on November 17 for the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opened the session with a stark warning: tobacco and nicotine companies are targeting schools as the “new front line” to recruit a generation of addicts through e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.

Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai

2Firsts Observation | U.S. E-cigarette Regulation Enters Normalized Phase as Federal and State Authorities Tighten Compliance Frameworks

In just two months, U.S. authorities seized over 7 million illegal e-cigarettes. 2Firsts’ analysis reveals a shift toward institutionalized regulation, with federal and state agencies intensifying enforcement — signaling a major reset in the world’s largest and most influential vaping market.

Oct.28

British Museum Ends Long-Running Sponsorship with Japan Tobacco International

According to The Guardian, the British Museum has ended its 15-year sponsorship with Japan Tobacco International after government inquiries into whether the deal breached WHO tobacco-control rules. Critics had long opposed the partnership, while the museum said sponsorship remains essential for its financial stability and public access.

Nov.20

Malaysian Customs Seizes Over US$3.4 Million in E-Cigarettes and Vape Liquids Shipped from China and Transported Overland

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Kedah seized a large consignment of e-cigarette devices and vape liquids originating from China, with a total value exceeding RM16 million (about US$3.4 million). The suspect, a man in his 40s, failed to produce the required import permit from the Health Ministry, and the case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967.