The Turkish Ministry of Health has prepared draft legislation imposing tighter curbs on tobacco use across retail stores, public spaces, and hospitality venues. The bill is scheduled for review by the AK Party parliamentary group in October before heading to the Grand National Assembly in November, with lawmakers aiming for passage ahead of budget debates.
Immediate Changes to Retail and Packaging
Under the proposed rules, retailers will no longer be allowed to display tobacco products openly. All cigarettes must be kept in closed cabinets hidden from public view. Retailers will also be required to integrate electronic identity verification systems to confirm customer age before completing any transaction.
Cigarette packaging will undergo standardized adjustments. Under the draft, brand logos cannot occupy more than 5% of the total pack surface, reducing commercial branding visibility.
Tighter Bans on Public and Outdoor Smoking
The draft bill outlines clear boundaries for smoking in public open-air locations:
- Total Outdoor Prohibitions: Smoking will be banned across playgrounds, sports facilities, and public beaches.
- Perimeter Buffer Zones: A 10-meter smoke-free perimeter will apply around schools, hospitals, public buildings, and places of worship, along with a 5-meter smoke-free zone at entrances to shopping malls and restaurants.
- Hospitality Venue Restrictions: Smoking areas in cafes and restaurants must be isolated, hidden from outside view, and capped at 10% of total space (up to a 20-square-meter limit). No food or beverage service will be permitted in these areas.
The 2040 Endgame Target
The central element of the proposal sets January 1, 2040, as the date to end the sale and distribution of tobacco products nationwide. While the provisions remain in draft form and may undergo revisions during parliamentary debates, the proposal establishes an official timeline toward phasing out legal tobacco sales in Turkey.
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