Finland’s ministry of social affairs and health unveiled its proposal for the new tobacco law, which would would keep tobacco products under the counter to help discourage underage smoking.

If the bill passes parliament, the display of cigarettes will be banned, and cigarette vending machines would also be prohibited. Customers interested in buying tobacco would need to ask a store clerk for a list of available products and prices.
The proposal allows bringing 30 cartons of the chewing tobacco “snus” into the country for personal use. However, it would be illegal to sell it or pass it to others. The new law proposal also aims to ban all sponsorships by tobacco companies, including donations to charities. Tobacco product advertising is already illegal in Finland.
The tobacco bill is expected to come before parliament in the next several weeks and is expected to take effect next year. (pi)