Last updated: October 6, 2023

Sales Restrictions

Sale of single cigarettes/sticks

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes in split or opened packages. This effectively bans the sale of single cigarette sticks.

To align more fully with FCTC Art. 16, the law should affirmatively 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 vending machine sales of tobacco products.

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, regardless of age, 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 or near schools/educational facilities.

Playgrounds

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products on playgrounds.

Stadiums/arenas

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in stadiums/arenas.

Healthcare facilities

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in and near therapeutic institutions, which is interpreted to include healthcare facilities.

Cultural facilities

Allowed
Analysis

The law does not prohibit or restrict the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities; therefore, the law is interpreted as permitting the sale of tobacco products in cultural facilities.

Houses of worship

Banned
Analysis

The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in houses of worship.

Retail Package Size Restrictions

Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package

No
Analysis

The law does not require a minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package.

To align with FCTC Art. 16, the law should prohibit the sale of small packets of cigarettes which increase the affordability to minors.

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

No
Analysis

The law does not require a specific retail license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.

To align with FCTC Art. 15, the law should require retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.