In 2040, the European Union plans to achieve a smoke-free future, which Poland supports but is difficult to advance, and anti-smoking regulations have not been actively strengthened, affecting the tobacco product market.
On Dec 18, Polish media rynekzdrowia reported that the European Union wants to foster an almost completely smoke-free generation by 2040, that is, the proportion of the population who smoke will be reduced to 5%(currently 24%). That is why the European Parliament recently adopted a decision aimed at creating an environment completely free from tobacco and aerosol smoke.
Poland accused of being negative on anti-smoking bill
The report notes that Poland has supported this decision. However, when asked whether the Health Ministry plans to change laws and regulations to strengthen the smoking ban in public places, there was no reply. According to unofficial sources, the Polish state is not active in further strengthening the current ban.
It is worth noting that although the regulation restricting the sale of e-cigarettes has been mentioned for almost a year. Poland has still not adopted the relevant law. On Wednesday, December 18, the government was supposed to consider draft amendments to protect health from the effects of tobacco and its products, but once again the item was not on the agenda. The Ministry of Health said it was a very complex matter.
Finally, the proposal imposes a total ban on so-called “snus” – nicotine packs with different flavors, such as mojito, cola, and mint – that cannot be sold to people under 18. In addition, amendments to ban the sale of heating smoke bombs, although Poland should have implemented them more than a year ago. Because in Poland, about 80 percent of heater users prefer to use flavored bombs, the ban could be detrimental to big tobacco companies and Polish tobacco producers.
