Preparation for a new era in the smoking ban: Restrictions in parks, beaches and stops are on the agenda

A new regulation is being worked on to expand the scope of smoking bans in Türkiye.

It is expected that the AKP's preparation of a bill covering restrictions on smoking and the control of dietary supplements will be brought to the agenda after the budget discussions in the Turkish Grand National Assembly.

According to the news of Türkiye newspaper, the smoking bans implemented in Japan and Australia are also being examined within the scope of the regulation planned to be submitted to the Parliament in the January-February period.

SMOKING BAN IN PARKS, BEACHES AND STOPS IS ON THE AGENDA

The regulation, which is being prepared, aims to limit smoking in open areas.

In this context, new restrictions are being considered in areas such as parks, beaches and public transportation stops, taking the practices in Japan and Australia as an example.

Particular emphasis is placed on identifying special areas where smoking is allowed and limiting tobacco use outside these areas.

AUTHENTICATED SALES IN JAPAN MODEL

One of the models examined for the new regulation was the practices in Japan.

Within the scope of this model, the agenda includes using the identity verification system in cigarette sales, creating special areas where smoking can be allowed in certain areas, and imposing restrictions on tobacco use on the streets.

These measures are aimed at stricter control of cigarette sales and use.

OPEN SPACE RESTRICTIONS IN AUSTRALIA ARE BEING REVIEWED

The studies also evaluate anti-smoking practices in Australia.

According to the news, the restrictions imposed on open areas such as parks, beaches and public transportation stops in Australia set an example for the regulation to be prepared in Türkiye.

Limiting smoking areas in outdoor venues is also among the options being considered.

REGULATION IS LEFT FOR THE NEW YEAR

It was stated that the new regulation on smoking bans is expected to be submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly in January or February 2027.

It is envisaged that the proposal will be put on the agenda after the budget discussions in the Parliament are completed.

The scope of the regulation and the details of the prohibitions to be implemented have not yet been finalized.

NEW INSPECTION ON FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

It was stated that the prepared study was not limited to restrictions on smoking.

It is also planned to increase inspections on the production and sales processes of food supplements.

In this context, it is aimed to establish a common control mechanism with the participation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).

The new mechanism aims to prevent the release of illegal, unhealthy and unregistered food supplements to the market.