Belgium has introduced a new law that prohibits the display of cigarettes and other tobacco products in shops, effective from Tuesday. The measure is part of a broader policy program aimed at reducing tobacco use and ultimately achieving a smoke-free generation by 2040.
Under the new regulations, supermarkets and shops larger than 400 square meters are completely banned from selling cigarettes. The move is intended to limit the visibility of addictive products and curb impulse purchases.
Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, who is overseeing the program, clarified that while the display ban is in effect, it does not constitute a prohibition on buying tobacco products. "You can buy it, but you have to ask the vendor," he explained.
Retailers have had to find their own solutions to comply with the display ban, as no specific guidance or materials were provided by the government. Some shops have resorted to using handmade plastic curtains, while others have installed sophisticated shelves that light up automatically when opened.
Jenny Van Vaerenbergh, a news and tobacco shop owner, expressed frustration at the lack of support from the government, stating, "It is annoying because they haven't given us any supply. They should have provided the necessary equipment."
Opinions among Belgian citizens are divided. Malak Chatouany, a student and smoker in Brussels, believes that simply hiding the product won't change people's habits, as smoking is an addiction. On the other hand, Emilie Fayt, another smoker, welcomes the measure as a tool to prevent young people from taking up smoking, acknowledging the difficulty of quitting.
The next phase of the Belgian government's plan, which would ban smoking on public terraces, is yet to be approved by legislators.
The implementation of this new law marks a significant step in Belgium's efforts to reduce tobacco use and protect public health, particularly among younger generations. As the country adapts to these changes, it remains to be seen how effective the display ban will be in discouraging smoking and promoting a smoke-free future.
