The new Draft-Antismoking Law bans advertising, promotions, and sponsorships from the tobacco industry across media, internet, social networks, events, discounts, and giveaways, the Health Ministry reported Thursday.
Health Minister Azir Aliu stressed that reducing visibility is key to prevention, especially among children and youth, calling their protection “an absolute priority”.
The proposal also prohibits sales to minors of all nicotine products, bans public display of tobacco at points of sale, and forbids sales in restaurants, sports and cultural venues, and public events.
“Advertising directly influences young people to start smoking. Public health must come before commercial interests”, Aliu said.