Belgian health minister says tobacco retail outlets will be reduced to curb consumption

According to a report from the Brussels Times on the 26th, Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced a series of measures aimed at curbing tobacco consumption and banning the display of tobacco products.

According to a report from the Cancer Foundation, about 24% of Belgians smoke, with one in five smokers smoking daily. To combat smoking, the federal government has previously announced plans to increase taxes on tobacco products.

The latest announcement will reduce sales points, with large supermarkets and festivals no longer able to sell cigarettes. Smoking in public places will also be restricted, and these new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2025.

The government stated that extensive inspections will be conducted, and severe penalties will be imposed on those who do not comply with the new regulations, including mandatory closures.

The Belgian government's goal is to reduce the daily smoking rate to 10% of the population by 2028 and to 5% by 2040. According to research from Sciensano, if the current pace continues, the 2028 target will not be fully achieved by 2040.

The Belgian business association Comeos described these measures as "pure hypocrisy," while Philip Morris stated that the Belgian government is "profiting at the expense of smokers" and that these measures will encourage black market transactions, as Belgium is a well-known hub for counterfeit cigarettes.