Key Takeaways
- A draft tobacco law cited by Yeni Şafak proposes a full ban on the production, sale, and consumption of tobacco products by 2040.
- The draft would significantly restrict tobacco use in public buildings, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, children’s areas, and outdoor events.
- Restaurants and similar venues would be allowed to permit smoking only in designated areas that do not exceed 10.00% of the premises and are no larger than 20 square meters.
- The draft would expand the definition of tobacco products to include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and all nicotine-containing systems.
- The proposal would also require tobacco products to be stored in closed cabinets out of public view and sold through electronic systems with mandatory age verification.
2Firsts, April 13, 2026
According to Yeni Şafak, a draft law containing broad restrictions on tobacco use has entered public discussion in Turkey. The proposal would ban or sharply restrict tobacco use in multiple settings and sets a 2040 target for the complete phaseout of tobacco product production, sales, and consumption.
The draft would expand smoking restrictions in public places
According to the report, the draft would significantly ban or restrict the use of tobacco products in public buildings, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, children’s areas, and outdoor events. In food and beverage establishments, the draft would impose a general smoking ban, with smoking allowed only in limited areas meeting specific conditions.
Restaurant smoking areas would be capped at 10.00% of the premises
The report said restaurants and similar businesses would be allowed to permit smoking only in designated areas that do not exceed 10.00% of the business space and are no larger than 20 square meters. These areas would also have to be out of public view, isolated from service areas, and inaccessible to persons under age 18.
Hotels and transport settings would also face tighter restrictions
The draft also includes provisions covering hotels and transport. According to the report, tobacco use in hotels would only be allowed in specially designated rooms, while smoking would be fully banned in driver’s seats and in all public transport vehicles, including taxis.
E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products would be included
One of the most notable elements of the draft is its 2040 target. According to the proposal, from that date onward the production, sale, and consumption of tobacco products would be completely banned. The draft envisions high judicial fines for producers and sellers who fail to comply, as well as administrative penalties for users.
The draft would also broaden the definition of “tobacco product.” According to the report, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and all nicotine-containing systems would be included within the scope of the ban.
Sales would move to closed storage and mandatory age verification
The proposal also introduces new sales conditions. According to the report, tobacco products would have to be stored in closed cabinets out of public view, preventing direct access by consumers. Sales transactions would be handled through electronic systems, and age verification would become mandatory.
Image Source: Yeni Şafak
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