16.12.2024
The end of smoking in many public places – these are the recommendations of the European Union. This includes, among others, public playgrounds, amusement parks, swimming pools, beaches, zoos, and other similar outdoor spaces, and it applies not only to traditional cigarettes but also to e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Poland has just supported these EU recommendations.
Assoc Prof. Dr. Habil. Łukasz Balwicki, head of the Department of Public Health and Social Medicine, was appointed national consultant in public health a few days ago. As he emphasized, one of his priorities is addressing the problem of the tobacco epidemic. That’s why he doesn’t hide his enthusiasm regarding the new EU proposals.
– I strongly support this initiative. Although some outdoor spaces in Poland, like playgrounds, were already subject to a ban, there was a noticeable lack of regulation in other recreational areas like parks, beaches, or outdoor seating at pubs or restaurants. This often led to disputes between smokers or vapers and those who wanted to protect their health. The EU regulation will support smoke-free environments, he said.
Poland has so far only adopted the recommendations issued by the European Union. At this moment, there are no legal measures accompanying them. According to Prof. Balwicki, this should change.
– It is necessary to strengthen enforcement with the help of the police and municipal or local guards. However, it’s worth remembering that such regulations are warmly welcomed by non-smokers and non-users of other nicotine products, supporting them in protecting their health. As a result, the enforcement of the law often involves the citizens themselves.
According to an October report from CBOS, prepared by the Polish Society for Medical Advancements – Medicine XXI, (…) one in four primary school students (26%) has experienced nicotine initiation, with 7 out of 10 (73.3%) having used an e-cigarette for the first time. More than half (53.8%) of students tried nicotine products out of curiosity about their taste. Among students currently using nicotine, most (8 out of 10) use e-cigarettes, typically with sweet, fruity, or dessert flavours. Prof. Łukasz Balwicki has come up with a solution that, in his opinion, could reduce the number of smokers in Poland and the entire European Union.
– The EU should urgently amend directives concerning the taxation of tobacco products to require higher prices from member states. It should also regulate the introduction of standardized packaging and restrict advertising and promotion opportunities more (e.g., by introducing a ban on advertising and product displays at points of sale, as well as limiting online advertising).
As for higher prices, they will come into effect in Poland starting in January. The Parliament of Poland has approved new excise tax rates – 50% higher for cigarettes, 38% for smoking tobacco, and 25% for cigars and cigarillos. In addition, heated tobacco products and e-cigarette liquids will increase by 50% and 75%, respectively.