Is The Smoking Ban Just A Formality? Over 70% Of Businesses in Belgium Illegally Sell Cigarettes To Minors

Is the smoking ban just a formality? Over 70% of businesses in Belgium illegally sell cigarettes to minors

Recent surprise inspections in Belgium have shown that over 70% of businesses have violated the ban on selling cigarettes to minors. The government is considering stricter punishment measures, including closing non compliant stores, to achieve the goal of no young people using tobacco by 2040.

According to The Bulletin on November 18th, recent data from the Belgian government shows that in a series of recent surprise inspections, over 70% of businesses in Belgium ignored the ban and sold cigarettes to minors (under 18 years old).

Starting from November 2019, Belgium has raised the age limit for purchasing tobacco products from 16 to 18 years old. However, many retailers do not require young people to present their identification documents when selling.

In order to maintain the goal of a 'smoke-free generation', Belgium plans to stop young people from using tobacco products by 2040. Therefore, the government is considering implementing stricter penalties, such as closing down non compliant stores.

According to data provided by Health Secretary Frank Vandenbrooke, out of 1100 inspections this year, as many as 782 (71%) sellers disregarded the ban by selling tobacco products to minors. These checks are conducted by minors who act as "mystery shoppers" attempting to purchase cigarettes, e-cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine bags.

The violation rate varies in different regions of Belgium. The store violation rate in Brussels is the lowest, only 53.5%. In Flanders, 68% of merchants were caught violating regulations in 469 inspections, while in Wallonia, 76.5% of merchants failed in over 226 inspections.

Congressman Els van Hoof urged the Secretary of Health to continue using the mystery shopper control system. The minister's cabinet responded that this is an "obvious measure".