Violation of Tobacco Control Law: Smoking in Public Spaces in Georgia

According to a report by Sputnik on December 4th, the non-governmental organization Tobacco Control Alliance, as part of Georgia's health promotion program, has found an increase in violations of the Tobacco Control Act, including smoking in enclosed public places and prohibited advertising.

In 2017, the Georgian parliament approved the "Smoking Control Law," which prohibits smoking indoors, tobacco product advertising, and smoking in cars and taxis in the presence of minors.

Some stores are engaging in illicit activities, as they continue to openly sell tobacco products despite regulations. These products primarily include e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco, often displayed alongside candies, children's items, and other products on store counters, typically in close proximity to the cash registers. Information regarding these criminal activities will be reported to the tax authority for further action.

The Anti-Smoking Alliance has stated that some citizens are still unsure if underground passages are considered enclosed spaces, and therefore subject to the same smoking bans as other enclosed public venues, where smoking of any tobacco products and hookah is prohibited.

According to their claims, sellers and distributors are smoking in the so-called "Gold Exchange," located on the ground floor of a building in Tbilisi. Patrol officers have responded to this.

The non-government organization stated in a declaration, "If citizens turn a blind eye to such unlawful behavior, society will come to realize that smoking regulations apply to all enclosed public spaces.