Moldova to Ramp Up Anti-Smoking Measures with Higher Fines and Expanded Bans

According to the official website of the Moldovan Parliament, on November 12th, a bill containing multiple smoking control measures has been submitted for public consultation. The document includes provisions for increasing fines, expanding the list of smoke-free areas, and standardizing requirements for labeling all tobacco and related products.

The legislation proposal covers all types of tobacco products and related items, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, tobacco heating devices, and hookah.

The drafters of the document suggest that fines for selling tobacco products in prohibited locations, selling to minors, or smoking in no-smoking areas will be significantly increased.

Specifically, selling tobacco products to minors or failing to verify the age of a purchaser can result in fines ranging from 8,750 to 10,000 Lebanese pounds (480-550 US dollars). For corporate entities allowing smoking in smoke-free areas, the primary responsible person can be fined up to 12,000 Lebanese pounds (660 US dollars), while the corporate entity itself faces fines of up to 15,000 Lebanese pounds (825 US dollars) and may have their business activities suspended for a period of six months to one year.

At the same time, smokers caught smoking in no-smoking areas will face fines of up to 2250 lei (120 USD) or be required to provide 40 to 60 hours of community service. In addition, the regulations will expand the list of smoke-free areas to include sports fields, water parks, and areas around swimming pools, as these places are primarily frequented by families with children.

The document also calls for standardized labeling on all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, refill bottles, and traditional tobacco products, which will need to clearly display warnings about the risks of nicotine consumption. Additionally, restrictions will be placed on the promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products, including in video games and television programs.

According to statistics, one-third of adult Moldovans are smokers, with over a quarter consuming tobacco products daily. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in smoking among young people. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, in 2019, one-third of adolescents had tried e-cigarettes at least once.

The suggestions raised in the public consultation will be taken into consideration in the final document. The bill will be reviewed at meetings of each standing committee before being submitted to the full parliament for deliberation.