Cigarette machines soon to be banned under new law

Cigarette vending machines are to be banned everywhere bar supermarkets, following a new measure introduced by Belgian health minister Frank Vandenbroucke.

The anti-smoking measure formed part of Vandenbroucke’s bill that was approved by the Belgian parliament earlier this week.

When it becomes law, vending machines will be removed from the premises of catering establishments, including hotels, restaurants and cafes. The food sector will receive a deadline to affect the change.

The measure is part of the government’s long battle to tackle the prevalence of smoking. It aims to reduce the availability of tobacco products, and reinforce the ban on selling them to minors as vending machines are often located in areas frequented by young people at night.

Photo: Cigarettes on sale in newsagent shop © Eric Lalmand/Belga