Belgium's Federal Public Health Service (FPS) has announced that starting on April 1, 2025, all shops in the country must hide tobacco products from public view. This measure aims to curb smoking rates by making the availability of smoking products less visible, following the principle of "far from the eyes, far from the heart."
The ban on displays will apply to a wide range of tobacco and smoking-related products, including cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, filters, and cigarette papers. Retailers must not only conceal brand logos but also the actual products themselves.
Implementation Delayed by Three Months
Originally scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025, the measure has been delayed by three months. This year, the Belgian government has already taken steps to discourage smoking by increasing the price of cigarettes through taxation and promising to expand the number of public places where smoking is prohibited.
Severe Penalties for Non-Compliance
The ban applies to all retailers in Belgium but not to wholesalers. Retailers who fail to comply with the restriction face the risk of imprisonment for one year and a fine between 2,000 and 800,000 euros.
VapeBel Calls for Exception for Specialist Stores
VapeBel, the federation of vape retailers and distributors in Belgium, has expressed disappointment with the measure, according to Belga news agency. The federation argues that specialist stores play a crucial role in effective age verification and informing adult smokers about vape products as smoking cessation aids. VapeBel is calling for an exception for specialist stores, a recommendation also supported by Belgium's Superior Health Council.
However, the federal government appears determined to make tobacco products virtually invisible to the public. Regarding how customers will know what tobacco products a shop offers, the authorities have indicated that retailers should compile price lists of the products, including names and brands, but without any brand logos.
As Belgium takes this significant step towards reducing the visibility of tobacco products, it remains to be seen how effective the measure will be in lowering smoking rates and promoting public health.
