More bans on smoking to be introduced in Turkey

ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News

A non-smoking section in the outdoor areas of cafes and restaurants will be obligatory, according to an action plan on new regulations and restrictions on smoking, the daily Sabah disclosed yesterday.

Among the most important articles of the Health Ministry’s 18-article action plan is the compulsory special non-smoking section for the outdoor sections of every restaurant and café.

For places such as shopping malls, cinemas and theaters, the distance of passive interaction will be determined. Smoking right outside of the entrances to malls will be prevented. Open places such as play grounds and open sections of worship places will be off-limits for smokers.

The use of tobacco and tobacco products will be forbidden in the public and private sectors’ service vehicles.

The boundaries of the ban on smoking, which is valid for mass transportation vehicles, will be broadened to contain any vehicle with pregnant women and children present.

The sellers of tobacco and tobacco products will ask for official documentation from young buyers to prove they are over 18.

As in alcoholic drinks, cigarette sales will be banned within a 100 meter radius from educational institutions.

The smoking ban applied to television serials and films will be broadened to contain scientific, cultural and art activities and productions.

A mono-type package model known as the “black package” will be introduced so the name and logo of the brand will not be seen. Brands will be known by numbers.

At least one unit to help would-be-quitters will be established in every hospital. The harms of tobacco usage will be included in school curricula.