No More Right to Delay: Anahit Avanesyan on New Decision

The Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan spoke to reporters about the new decision regarding the enforcement of anti-smoking legislation. She specifically noted that there have been suggestions and demands to further postpone, but political will was demonstrated, and it was decided that economic operators have already been given ample time, and there is no more right to delay.

“When we look at which stages the anti-smoking policies have reached in other countries, we are quite behind,” said the minister.

According to her, it is very important to understand the purpose of this legislative regulation. These measures are aimed not at harming the activity and interests of any business operator but at protecting people's health. In particular, the ban on the display of tobacco products aims to reduce the impact of advertising on youth and women. The trendy, colorful designs of tobacco products directly target young people and women.

As Avanesyan pointed out, it is crucial to understand that tobacco use has a direct impact on human health and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and several other health issues.

It is worth recalling that as of January 1, 2022, the law on “Reducing and Preventing Health Damage Due to the Use of Tobacco Products and their Substitutes” has come into effect, which prohibits the display of tobacco products, their accessories, or substitutes in retail stores and public food establishments. Failure to comply with the law results in fines ranging from 200,000 to 250,000 drams. Repeating the same violation within six months of administrative penalties will result in a fine equal to double the amount of the previous administrative penalty.