Cash payments for cigarette sales to be abolished: Penalties to increase 100-fold
The new tobacco bill drafted by the AKP includes notable regulations such as the abolition of cash payments for cigarette sales, an increase in penalties, and a transition to electronic sales systems. The ultimate goal of the draft is reported to be the complete cessation of cigarette sales by 2040.
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The AKP is working on a new draft law aimed at restricting the use of tobacco products. This proposal, which will be presented to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, targets significant changes in the fight against tobacco. While the draft envisions increasing fines by up to 100 times, it also incorporates many new regulations.
A NEW ERA IN CIGARETTE SALES
One of the prominent innovations is the complete abolition of cash payments for cigarette sales. Thus, those who wish to purchase cigarettes will only be able to do so through electronic environments. Furthermore, it is planned to sell cigarettes in standardized packaging and to create special consumption areas that children cannot enter.
ACCESS FOR THOSE UNDER 18 TO BE STRICTLY MONITORED
Another important step within the scope of the bill is to more strictly prevent individuals under the age of 18 from accessing cigarettes. Thanks to the electronic sales requirement, both age verification will be tightened and unregistered sales will be prevented. Currently, those who use tobacco products in prohibited areas are fined between 1,764 TL and 5,000 TL, while penalties applied to businesses can range from 24,440 TL up to 122,660 TL. With the new regulation, it is planned to significantly increase these amounts.
ULTIMATE GOAL: 2040
Finally, it is stated that the ultimate goal within the scope of the prepared draft is to completely end cigarette sales on January 1, 2040. All these regulations are expected to be implemented by 2028. In the coming period, significant changes are anticipated in Turkey regarding the fight against tobacco, both in terms of the legal framework and sanctions.