The Portuguese government has introduced a bill that would ban smoking in outdoor areas, including covered terraces, and limit the sale of tobacco products.
According to Reuters, if the law is approved by Parliament, smoking will be prohibited near public buildings such as schools, universities, hospitals and sports facilities, as well as near restaurants, bars and coffee shops from October 23.
Restaurants, bars and nightclubs with designated smoking areas with appropriate insulation will be able to keep them until 2030.
In addition, from 2025, tobacco products will only be sold in licensed tobacco shops and shops at airports. Vending machines, bars, restaurants and gas stations will no longer be able to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products.
The government is also changing legislation to equate heated tobacco products with regular tobacco, meaning that the sale of flavored heated tobacco will be banned.
However, the head of the restaurant association PRO.VAR expressed concern that these measures could take away a source of income from small businesses that are already experiencing difficulties.. The National Association of Fuel Retailers who operate gas stations also called the plan unfair and disproportionate.
The Portuguese government is taking these measures because two-thirds of deaths among smokers are attributable to tobacco use, and smokers live an average of 10 years less than non-smokers.
According to Reuters, if the law is approved by Parliament, smoking will be prohibited near public buildings such as schools, universities, hospitals and sports facilities, as well as near restaurants, bars and coffee shops from October 23.
Restaurants, bars and nightclubs with designated smoking areas with appropriate insulation will be able to keep them until 2030.
In addition, from 2025, tobacco products will only be sold in licensed tobacco shops and shops at airports. Vending machines, bars, restaurants and gas stations will no longer be able to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products.
The government is also changing legislation to equate heated tobacco products with regular tobacco, meaning that the sale of flavored heated tobacco will be banned.
However, the head of the restaurant association PRO.VAR expressed concern that these measures could take away a source of income from small businesses that are already experiencing difficulties.. The National Association of Fuel Retailers who operate gas stations also called the plan unfair and disproportionate.
The Portuguese government is taking these measures because two-thirds of deaths among smokers are attributable to tobacco use, and smokers live an average of 10 years less than non-smokers.
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