Italy became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on September 30, 2008.

Smoke Free Places: The law prohibits smoking in most enclosed places, including indoor workplaces and indoor public places. However, the law allows designated smoking rooms if the designated smoking rooms comply with strict technical standards. For catering establishments (restaurants, bars, and nightclubs), smoking must be prohibited in at least half of the area of the establishment. Smoking is prohibited in public transportation, and in private vehicles if a child or pregnant woman is present.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: The law bans many forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, including TV, radio, internet, and most print media. However, the definition of “tobacco advertising” does not clearly cover all promotional activity and, therefore, some tobacco promotion may be allowed. Point of sale product display is allowed. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: For smoked tobacco products, rotating pictorial health warnings must occupy 65 percent of both the front and back of the package. For smokeless tobacco products,a single text health warning must occupy 30 percent of the front and back of the package. Misleading packaging and labeling, which could include terms such as “light” and “low tar” and other signs, is prohibited.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Italy are below these recommendations.