Smoking Banned in Designated Areas from March

The government approved the safety technical regulations for tobacco product substitutes in its session today.

The technical regulations define the safety indicators characterizing nicotine-containing products, their identification, production, labeling, packaging, storage, and transportation, as well as the requirements for conformity assessment procedures.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also reminded that as of January 1, the display and advertising of tobacco products in retail outlets and shops have been prohibited.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan requested the floor, to which Nikol Pashinyan addressed him as the "minister preparing to ban smoking." Mirzoyan inquired about how sales are conducted in specialized tobacco shops. Pashinyan responded that there is no difference; the same regulations apply.

He also announced that a ban on smoking in enclosed spaces will be enforced starting March 15 in both indoor and outdoor food establishments. He emphasized that tobacco and tobacco substitute products have been equated in terms of regulation, aimed at protecting public health.