The German association of tobacco wholesalers and vending machine operators (BDTA) has agreed on a voluntary ban of cigarette vending machines in the vicinity of schools and youth centres in Germany

The BDTA, which represents 90 per cent of Germany’s cigarette vending wholesalers, agreed to the voluntary code after negotiations with federal health authorities. The government expects non-member vending machine operators to comply with the ban. Until mid-1997 tobacco vending machines in schools and youth facilities will be removed. The dismantling of tobacco vending machines within 50 metres of these areas have begu on May 1, 1997 and continue over the next three years.