Tobacco Asia

18 tobaccoasia FRONT PAGE NEWS 卷首新闻 activity. "Price has an impact," he said, "but if you look at other countries that have substantially lower priced cigarettes than Australia—the US, some European countries, most in Asia—they also have thriving black markets." Swiss Tobacco Advertising Ban Finalized Switzerland is set to introduce a broad ban on tobacco advertising to shield children and teens, following parliament's approval of the "Children and Young People Without Tobacco Advertising" initiative. Voters first backed the initiative in 2022, with 56.6% supporting a ban on all tobacco ads that minors can see. The Federal Council has now finalized the legal changes to make that mandate a reality. The new restrictions will apply across print publications, public events with youth access, sponsorships, websites, apps, and other digital platforms—unless they implement effective age- verification systems. Parliament approved limited exceptions, allowing tobacco ads in the inside pages of print newspapers that are primarily subscription-based and whose readership is at least 98% adult. Publications meant for international audiences or industry professionals may also continue to carry such ads. Left-leaning lawmakers opposed these excep- tions. Senator Flavia Wasserfallen of the Social Democratic Party criticized the criteria as unwork- able. "Readership changes regularly," she argued. "Are newspapers expected to review eligibility every six months? Who's monitoring that?" Health minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider noted that roughly 50 newspapers could still run tobacco ads under the exemptions—including Le Nouvelliste and BaslerZeitung, both popular among younger audiences. "That may benefit democratic debate, but it does nothing for public health," she warned. "Only a blanket ban can guarantee that youth won't be exposed to advertising." Despite the criticism, the Senate followed the House of Representatives and voted 25 to 19 in favor of the exceptions. The law also bans tobacco ads in any area accessible to minors, including movie theaters—un- less businesses ensure the ads are not visible or reach- able by young people. Similar rules apply to event sponsorships. Additional restrictions target the marketing of tobacco and vaping products. Companies will no longer be allowed to give these products away for free as a promotional tactic. The Senate, by a vote of 24 to 19, also sup- ported restrictions on mobile vendors. These sellers must follow the same advertising rules in youth- accessible areas unless their branding remains hidden from minors. "This proposal is reasonable," Baume-Schneider said. "It's clear what logos are worn by these vendors." On promoting cigars and cigarillos, the Senate and House agreed—by 23 votes to 19—that tastings and promotional offers should only be allowed in adult-only settings. KT&G Eyes Acquisition of Leading Nordic Nicotine Pouch Maker KT&G Corp. is reportedly negotiating to acquire a leading nicotine pouch company in Northern Europe for around KRW300 billion (US$221 million), according to The Korea Economic Daily. If finalized, this acquisition would mark KT&G's first international merger or acquisition since buying a 60% stake in Indonesian tobacco firm Trisakti Purwosari Makmur in 2011 for about KRW140 billion. KT&G has not confirmed the talks, stating that no final decision has been made. This potential deal aligns with KT&G's strategy to expand into the modern oral nicotine market and lessen its dependence on conventional cigarettes. At a shareholder meeting in March, c.e.o. Bang Kyung-man highlighted global mergers, partnerships, and internal product develop- ment as core growth strategies. In April, KT&G was also reportedly exploring the acquisition of a Japanese ginseng company. Additionally, KT&G is divesting some real estate assets, including putting its Court- yard Seoul Namdaemun hotel—operated by Marriott International—up for sale. France Extends Public Smoking Bans to Beaches, Parks France started enforcing on July 1 a new nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor public areas such as beaches, parks, and near schools as part of its broader public health strategy aimed at reducing youth exposure to tobacco use. Health minister Catherine Vautrin announced the measure in an interview with Ouest-France. The policy will also apply to areas sur- rounding middle and high schools to prevent students from smoking at school entrances. The move aligns with France's national tobacco control plan, which aims to create a smoke-free generation by 2032. Although France has historically had a visible smoking culture, particularly in social settings such as café terraces, national smoking rates have continued to decline. Daily smoking among adults has dropped to 23%, the lowest level since the 1990s. Among 17-year-olds, only 16% report smoking today, compared to 25% in 2017. The upcoming ban adds to the nearly 7,000 smoke-free zones already established by more than 1,600 municipalities. These zones include not just beaches and parks, but also ski resorts and areas near schools. The fine for violating the new restrictions will be €135. Public support for expanding smoke-free zones remains strong. According to a poll commissioned by the French League Against Cancer, 78% of respondents back restrictions on smoking in additional public areas. France first introduced indoor smoking bans in public places in 2007 and extended them to cafés, bars, and nightclubs a year later. While initially met with skepticism, these measures led to a noticeable shift in smoking behavior, although many smokers relocated outdoors—particu- larly to sidewalks and terraces. However, the upcoming smoking ban does not include e-ciga- rettes, which have grown in popularity, with 6% of adults now reporting regular use.

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