Turkey is moving toward a tightening of tobacco control measures, with a new legislative proposal expected to reach the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in January or February 2027. Following statements from Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu, the AK Party is finalizing a bill aimed at curbing smoking rates and minimizing public exposure to second-hand smoke.
The proposed regulations represent an expansion of current anti-smoking laws. While existing bans primarily target indoor settings, the new framework shifts the focus to public outdoor spaces. Modeled after practices in Japan and Australia, the draft identifies several high-traffic areas where smoking will be prohibited unless a specific, isolated zone is provided.
Restricted Outdoor Areas
The draft legislation targets areas where public interaction is high, specifically including:
- Parks, playgrounds, and areas frequented by children.
- Beaches and coastlines.
- Walking paths and building entrances.
- Public transportation stops and hubs.
- Restaurant and cafe terraces, including outdoor areas enclosed by awnings or glass partitions.
For locations such as university campuses, hospital grounds, and public building gardens, the proposal suggests allowing smoking only within strictly demarcated, authorized zones. These restrictions will apply to both conventional tobacco products and electronic cigarettes.
Stricter Sales and Age Verification
Beyond usage restrictions, the bill aims to prevent unauthorized sales to minors under the age of 18 through technological enforcement. The government is evaluating several digital verification methods, including:
- Utilizing chip-enabled identity cards at point-of-sale systems.
- Generating single-use QR codes via authorized mobile applications for age verification.
- Implementing automated age-gate locks at cash registers to prevent illegal transactions.
In addition to tobacco regulations, the proposal establishes a multi-agency oversight mechanism for dietary supplements. The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) will form a joint supervisory committee to regulate these products. Technical details and the implementation timeline for these measures will be finalized once the bill passes through Parliament.
Vape Industry Content Creator | Product Reviewer | Harm Reduction Advocate
Alex Chen is a professional vape content creator with a strong focus on product education, industry trends, and harm reduction. With years of hands-on experience testing disposable vapes, pod systems, and e-liquids, Alex provides clear, unbiased insights to help adult consumers make informed decisions.
