Tobacco control
Smokers told no butts on beaches
The Greek Cancer Society has called on smokers to refrain from leaving cigarette butts on the country's beaches, underlining the risks to public health and the environment from an estimated 22 billion cigarette ends discarded on streets and beaches every year.
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Macedonia Moves to Make Smokers' Lives Easier
Macedonian MPs are proposing amendments to the current strict anti-smoking law to allow smoking inside cafés and restaurants if they meet certain conditions and have enough space for a special smoking section, no larger than 30 per cent of the entire establishment.
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Taxation, lack of checks boost illegal tobacco
Tax hikes on cigarettes and other tobacco products have led to a spike contraband activities in the sector that are eating into revenues.
In 2016, one in five packs of cigarettes consumed were illegal. This is the second highest level in the European Union, resulting in losses of over 600 million euros in tax revenues for state coffers.
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Majority of Greeks are would appreciate smoking ban enforcement, says expert
Greece is failing to enforce smoking bans despite apparent public support for the legislation, the Hellenic Thoracic Society (HTS) said Thursday, appealing to the government to crack down on violations.
Slipping standards
An image can often help you realize a lot of things all at once. Having stopped recently at a traffic light, I noticed the bus beside me, where the driver was smoking a cigarette, tapping the ash every couple of drags onto the street from a small open window. It shouldn't have surprised me because I've often seen bus drivers smoking or talking on cell phones.
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Laws without enforcement
The Health Ministry is on the right track with its latest circular instructing authorities to impose a fine of 1,500 euros on adults caught smoking or using electronic cigarettes in their cars when there are children in the vehicle. The notice also orders them to strip the drivers of their licenses.
However, the real issue is whether this measure will ever be implemented.
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Every Fifth Teenager in Bulgaria is an Active Smoker
In Bulgaria, smoking is the cause of 13% of the diseases and causes 12% of death cases, according to a new study made by the World Health Organization, quoted by BTA.
More than 6 million people worldwide die from diseases caused by tobacco use. It is expected in 2030 to reach 10 million people and smoking to become the world's leading single cause of death.
Smoking while driving with a child invites heavy fine
People who smoke or use electronic cigarettes while driving a private vehicle with a child under the age of 12 inside will be fined 1,500 euros, according to a new circular issued by the Health Ministry.
Turkish Health Ministry develops app to report violations in smoke-free areas
Turkey's Health Ministry has developed a mobile application that will permit app users to report violations in non-smoking areas.
Health Ministry to extend smoke-free zones in restaurants, cafes
Turkey will introduce a new smoking ban that will extend the smoke-free zones of restaurants to semi-closed parts of restaurants and cafes.
Turkish Health Minister Recep Akdağ announced that they would introduce new regulations in 2017 to promote healthy life that will include steps against tobacco and tobacco products.