Through the amendment of the Tobacco Control Law. The Lithuanian Parliament has significantly increased the fines for the sale of tobacco products (including vapes) to minors and imposed harsher penalties on vape brands that sell illegal and non-compliant labels.
Lithuanian parliament passes amendment
According to Kurier Wilenski on November 14. The Lithuanian Parliament passed amendments to the Law on Tobacco Control, which will increase fines for businesses selling tobacco products, including vapes.
Higher fines for illegal sales of e-cigarettes
Antanas Matulas, chairman of the Health Committee, and a member of the parliamentary panel, has recommended a significant increase in vape fines. However many lawmakers say minors cannot legally obtain vapes, so vapes should be sold the same as traditional cigarette products.
According to chamber figures. 74 MPS voted in favor of equal penalties for the sale of cigarette products to minors but did not specifically impose higher fines on vapes. Merchants will face fines of 4,000-6,000 euros (currently up to 3,000 euros) and 6,000-10,000 euros for repeated violations. In addition, the retail license will be permanently revoked. Companies that violate regulations on the composition, quality, and labeling of vapes will be fined between 1,500 and 3,000 euros, and repeat offenders will be fined between 4,000 and 8,000 euros.
(Ieva Kačinskaitė-Urbonienė) stressed the need to increase financial support for the police and intelligence agencies to strengthen these measures.
On the other hand, teenagers revealed that it was easier to buy cigarette products during the pandemic due to the use of masks, which are now basically impossible to obtain on an individual basis as they need to show identification. To obtain such a product, they have to pay an additional fee, for example, they will pay an adult friend €2 per pack of tobacco. Generally, they turn to friends who are willing to drink or older for help. Vapes get more through illegal channels on the Internet.
