Last updated: September 17, 2019

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of single cigarette sticks; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of single cigarette sticks.

To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of single cigarettes as this increases the affordability of cigarettes to minors.

Sale of tobacco products via vending machines

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits placing tobacco products at point of sale in a way that allows customers to handle them by themselves. This provision is interpreted as prohibiting tobacco vending machines, because such machines allow customers to access tobacco products by themselves without sales assistance.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 with respect to vending machine sales.

Sale of tobacco products via the internet

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products through the internet; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting internet tobacco product sales.

To align with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, the law should prohibit internet tobacco product sales as internet sales are an inherent form of tobacco advertising and promotion.

Sale of smokeless tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of smokeless tobacco products; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of smokeless tobacco products.

Sale of waterpipe tobacco products

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not specifically prohibit the sale of waterpipe tobacco; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of waterpipe tobacco.

Location-based Sales Restrictions

Schools/educational facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in restaurants, nightclubs and enclosed places. By definition, enclosed places includes schools and universities. Therefore, the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in schools/educational facilities.

Playgrounds

Uncertain
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in enclosed places. Because it is uncertain whether playgrounds would be considered enclosed places, the regulatory status code, “Uncertain,” is given.

Stadiums/arenas

Some Restrictions
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in restaurants, nightclubs and enclosed places. Therefore, the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in enclosed stadiums and arenas. However, the sale of tobacco products is not prohibited in open-air stadiums and arenas. Therefore, the regulatory status code "Some Restrictions" is given.

Healthcare facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in restaurants, nightclubs and enclosed places. By definition, enclosed places includes hospitals and healthcare facilities. Therefore, the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Cultural facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in restaurants, nightclubs and enclosed places. By definition, enclosed places includes cinemas and theaters and other types of enclosed cultural facilities. Therefore, the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.

Restaurants, nightclubs and enclosed places

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in restaurants, nightclubs and other enclosed places.

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

Yes
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 sticks.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.

Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package

No
Analysis

The law does not require a minimum weight per unit package of smokeless tobacco.

Retail Licensing Requirements

Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products

Yes
Analysis

The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.

The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.