New Restrictions Planned on Tobacco Sales

Source from:  yle.fl 25.09.2007 09/27/2007

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is planning new restrictions on the sale of tobacco products. A ban is in store on the sale of small packages of cigarettes, and would make sales of tobacco products subject to a licence. If Parliament passes the measures, they would take effect in 2009. An official at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health says that the aim is to raise the threshold to starting smoking as a way to reduce smoking among young people. She notes that small packages of just ten cigarettes have been popular among children and young people. However, the price of cigarettes is not set to rise. The budget proposal for next year is keeping the tobacco tax unchanged, out of fear that an increase would lead to increased smuggling. The proposal would also impose a licence requirement for retail sales of tobacco products - a move, which is hoped to make it easier for authorities to tackle abuses. Sales to minors could result in the tobacco licence being temporarily revoked. The bill also requires that for fire safety reasons, all cigarettes on sale should be manufactured in such a way that they will go out if left to smoulder. The implementation of this would not happen until a two-year transition period has passed. Enditem