Ministry of Health Takes Steps to Curb Hookah Smoking by Under 18s

A working group initiated by the Ministry of Health developed and proposed amendments to laws concerning the regulation on the use by minors of hookah smoking herbal blends and their distribution, Minister of Health Nikolai Petrov pointed out during parliamentary control, the press office of the Ministry said on 6th of October.

The Proposals for changes to the Health Act concern the extension of the ban on smoking in indoor public places and in some open public places by regulating a ban on smoking tobacco and related substances. The ban on smoking will also include hookahs. The proposed changes envisage sanctions for the manager if he/she allowed smoking of tobacco products and related substances in the facility. In the event of systematic breach of the smoking ban, it is also envisaged that the operation of the catering or entertainment establishment be suspended.

The proposals concerning the Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Related Artiles Act provide for changes to the definition of "articles related to tobacco products" so as to include tobacco-free hookah products.

The proposals for amendments to the Child Protection Act envisage prohibiting the supply and sale of articles related to tobacco products to children, along with the ban on the supply and sale of tobacco products.

The changes to the Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses Act are related to the broadening of the definition of tobacco products, making it clear that smoking hookah blends also fall within the scope of taxation on tobacco products.

On 5th of Acotber, the Prosecutor's Office ordered the Food Safety Agency, the Commission for Consumer Protection and the National Police to carry out joint inspections across the country for alcohol, cigarettes, hookahs and tobacco products that are sold in shops located close to or inside schools. The checks were initiated following media publications that school students consumed foods and drinks containing ingredients dangerous to the health.