Smoking bans are expanding: 5-meter rule is coming

The Ministry of Health is preparing to expand existing restrictions on smoking. The regulation, currently in the draft stage, envisions including new areas in the currently applied bans. Accordingly, shopping mall entrances, parks, beaches, and winter gardens will also be among the areas where smoking is prohibited.

According to information in the Türkiye newspaper, the main headings of the study, which aims to expand the "Smoke-Free Airspace" practice, are as follows:

"SEMI-OPEN" AREAS WILL BE CONSIDERED CLOSED

Areas surrounded by retractable awnings and winter gardens will be classified as "closed areas" under the new regulation.

5-METER DISTANCE RULE

Smoking will not be permitted within at least 5 meters of the main entrance doors of public buildings, shopping malls, and restaurants.

CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUNDS AND BEACHES

All children's playgrounds will be designated as "red lines" and declared smoke-free zones. As part of a pilot program, "blue zones" will be created on some beaches.

SMOKING BANS FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT

The use of tobacco products in closed areas in Turkey was largely prohibited by Law No. 5727, adopted on January 19, 2008. The regulation fully entered into force in July 2009. In 2013, smoking in vehicles was banned, and in 2019, the transition to plain and standardized packaging was implemented. As of 2020, only these standard packages began to be sold.

News Source: 12punto