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Public health minister to present anti-smoking plan in parliament
Federal public health minister Maggie De Block (pictured) will on Tuesday present her long-awaited anti-smoking plan in parliament. The plan has evoked some resistance from the other government parties, especially CD&V and N-VA, for 'ignoring their input', writes Het Nieuwsblad.
“I do not understand the minister's reluctance,” says MP Els Van Hoof, who is disappointed that De Block's plan does not include CD&V's call for a complete ban on advertising and cigarette vending machines, and limiting the number of sales outlets, among other proposals.
De Block's plan includes a ban on menthol cigarettes within the EU-imposed deadline of 2020, more neutral cigarette packaging and higher taxes on tobacco products that should yield €70 million by next year.
N-VA reacted equally dissatisfied with the minister's plan, as the party had asked to raise the minimum age to purchase cigarettes from 16 to 18 years.
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The secret for controlling smoking is to keep cigarettes out of the hands of children. N-VA are right, along with vigorous enforcement of the law. Not just sales, but illegal to smoke under 18. Further, continue to make it unattractive for adults. If they don't like not being able to smoke over other people when it takes their fancy, tough. Café terraces should be the next place this is banned.