Two-thirds of shops caught selling tobacco to minors

More than 70% of traders in Belgium ignored the ban on selling cigarettes to minors (under 18) during a series of recent spot checks, according to recent government statistics.

In the light of these findings, stricter penalties, such as closing the offending shops, are being considered.

This smoking ban has been in force since November 2019, when the age limit for buying tobacco products in Belgium was raised from 16 to 18. If in doubt, retailers must ask the young person to show his/her ID.

Many retailers were caught red-handed last year. This year, the figures were just as dramatic, according to figures from health minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit), requested by CD&V member of parliament Els van Hoof in a written parliamentary question.

“In the pursuit of a smoke-free generation [Belgium’s aim that by 2040, no young person should start using tobacco products], this legislation must be effectively enforced, so that smoking becomes less accessible and attractive to minors,” she said.

The checks were carried out by minors, often students, used as “mystery shoppers” trying to buy products including cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, tobacco and nicotine pouches. Sellers ignored the ban in as many as 782 out of 1,100 checks (71%). This means that more than two-thirds of traders still sell tobacco products to minors.

Figures varied across the county. Brussels shop owners were the least likely to infringe the rules, with 53.5% of traders caught selling tobacco to under-18s. However, there were fewer checks carried out in this region.

In Flanders, 68% of traders were caught in 469 checks, while in Wallonia, 76.5% failed the test in more than 226 checks. Despite this tactic also being used in summer 2023, the situation has not improved very much.

“These are worrying figures, which highlight that this remains a persistent problem,” said van Hoof. “The minimum age has been 18 since 2019. Therefore, there is no longer any excuse to sell to minors or not to ask them for an identity card.”

Van Hoof urged Vandenbroucke to continue with the current mystery shopper control system. His cabinet responded that this was “the obvious thing to do”.

The power of this tool will also increase. Up until now, the offences have only led to warnings, but since this summer, they can also result in the law-breaking shop having to close temporarily.