Tobacco and nicotine under scrutiny. Major tightening of regulations is coming
The Public Health Policy Council (Folkehelsepolitisk råd) wants to tighten regulations concerning tobacco and nicotine in Norway. One of its main demands is to raise the purchasing age for such products to 21. The council also proposes ending their sale in duty-free shops.
Norway wants to set the nicotine age limit at 21. Ending duty-free sales is also on the list
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The proposals are intended to reduce nicotine use among young people. The council has submitted a package of measures to the government which, in the longer term, is meant to lead to the withdrawal of tobacco and non-medical nicotine products from sale. Ultimately, a ban covering successive generations is being considered. The reason is growing concern about the habits of children and young people.
Nicotine among young people. Snus remains the most popular
Data from the Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet) show that 41 percent of people aged 16 to 24 currently use at least one nicotine product. Snus is the most widespread. Vaping is also popular among girls. At the same time, more young people smoke cigarettes today than ten years ago.
The council points out that the situation requires a change in the current policy. In its view, Norway has gone from being a country leading efforts against tobacco use to one that is lagging behind in this area. The council's chair, Dagfinn Høybråten, speaks of the need to change the pace of action. The long-term goal is to gradually phase out the sale of tobacco and non-medical nicotine products.
The council points out that the situation requires a change in the current policy. In its view, Norway has gone from being a country leading efforts against tobacco use to one that is lagging behind in this area. The council's chair, Dagfinn Høybråten, speaks of the need to change the pace of action. The long-term goal is to gradually phase out the sale of tobacco and non-medical nicotine products.
An end to tobacco sales in duty-free shops and a higher purchasing age. These are the changes proposed by the Norwegian council.Photo: Fotolia
Purchasing age to rise. Duty-free also on the list of changes
One of the most important demands is to raise the age limit for purchasing tobacco and nicotine products to 21. The council wants this to be a step towards a future generational ban. It also proposes price increases for such products. Another measure would be to limit the number of outlets where they can be bought.
The list also includes ending the sale of tobacco and nicotine products in duty-free shops. All proposals have been submitted to the government. Høybråten stresses that the aim is to create conditions in which new generations will not be drawn into nicotine addiction. The council wants policy in this area to be long-term in nature.
The list also includes ending the sale of tobacco and nicotine products in duty-free shops. All proposals have been submitted to the government. Høybråten stresses that the aim is to create conditions in which new generations will not be drawn into nicotine addiction. The council wants policy in this area to be long-term in nature.
The package also includes changes concerning public places. The council proposes introducing a smoking ban in outdoor dining areas, at festivals, bus stops and bathing areas. These measures were included among the specific recommendations submitted to the government.
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