Smoking is no longer trendy in the Italian fashion capital. Milan has decided to ban cigarettes in all public spaces, including the streets, from Wednesday January 1, 2025. In the event of non-compliance with this rule, which does not concern electronic cigarettes, offenders will be exposed. to a fine ranging from €40 to €240.
This new measure is in line with the recommendation voted by the Twenty-Seven members of the European Union at the beginning of December. This text provides for the extension of tobacco-free zones, in order to comply with the objective set by the EU of achieving a tobacco-free generation in 2040. But this text is not binding because this competence lies with the States. As a result, the strategies put in place to combat smoking differ from one country to another.
► Italy in search of solutions to the resurgence of smoking
Italy launched its anti-smoking policy in 1975, with a ban on smoking on public transport, extended to all closed public places thirty years later. But the country experienced a sharp increase in cigarette consumption during the Covid-19 pandemic, pushing the authorities to strengthen the arsenal to fight against smoking.
Smoking should soon no longer be allowed on terraces, at bus stops and in parks where children or pregnant women are present, according to the Turin daily The Press. This measure would also concern electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco.
On the other hand, Italy remains a country where smoking is relatively inexpensive, even if prices are gradually increasing: a pack costs on average six euros, compared to double that in France.
► The United Kingdom, an ambitious country
Across the Channel, selling cigarettes to a person born after January 1, 2009 will soon become an offense, even after reaching the age of majority.
This measure, initiated by the previous conservative government, was taken up by that of Labor Keir Starmer. It aims to make the United Kingdom a tobacco-free country.
The new legislation also plans to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors, and to prohibit smoking on playgrounds, in front of schools and hospitals. It is the culmination of three decades of an interventionist and effective anti-tobacco policy, which combines sharp price increases, repression, prevention and help to quit.
► Belgium bans “puffs”
Belgium initiated its anti-tobacco policy in the mid-1970s, by banning smoking on public transport. In 2019, the sale of cigarettes was banned to all minors, and no longer only to those under 16.
To better protect young people, “puffs”, these disposable electronic cigarettes, are banned from this Wednesday, January 1 throughout the country. France should soon follow.
► Spain adopts a new anti-smoking plan
In 2024, Spain adopted its new tobacco control plan. This text prohibits flavorings in tobacco-derived products, such as filters or leaves, and aligns the legislation concerning vaping products with that of traditional cigarettes.
Tobacco taxes, which have already increased by more than 100% in twenty years, are expected to continue to rise, while the price of packets of cigarettes remains low in the country, between €5 and €6.
Like many European countries, Spain has also banned smoking in an increasing number of places in recent years. In particular, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, restaurants and nightclubs, but also, since 2020, near schools and hospitals, and on beaches.
► In Switzerland, a federal law harmonizes the fight against tobacco
In Switzerland, the entry into force of a federal law in October 2024 made it possible to harmonize tobacco control policy. Some cantons still authorized the sale of tobacco to minors. This is now prohibited for minors throughout the country.
This text also provides for better regulation of tobacco advertising, which is still very present, and is now prohibited on posters visible to the general public. This measure will subsequently be extended to the written press, festivals and the Internet.
Furthermore, the tobacco industry no longer has the right to sponsor international events or events aimed at minors.