Health ministry opposes parliament's plan to postpone entry of force of some provisions of anti-tobacco law
18.12.2020,
17:00
Armenia's Ministry of Health has spoken today against the National Assembly's plan to postpone the entry into force of some provisions of the anti-tobacco legislation, which were supposed to take effect on January 1, 2021.
YEREVAN, December 18. /ARKA/. Armenia's Ministry of Health has spoken today against the National Assembly's plan to postpone the entry into force of some provisions of the anti-tobacco legislation, which were supposed to take effect on January 1, 2021.
The ministry said in a statement that the legislation had been comprehensively discussed by lawmakers and it was decided that it would enter into force gradually, giving time to the public and business entities to get prepared for it.
“It is not clear why the National Assembly has decided to bring this issue back to its agenda at a time when the country is facing numerous challenges that require solution from all state institutions, especially that the anti-tobacco law is aimed at creating a healthier generation, which will inevitably strengthen the economy and the general resistance of the country,” the ministry said.
The ministry recalled that it has repeatedly provided evidence that the provisions of the law will not only contribute to the development of the country, but also provide an opportunity to reduce the incidence of various non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer. It will also contribute to the effective fight against various epidemics (such as coronavirus).
“Taking into account the above, we urge the MPs to withdraw the postponement of the law from the parliament's agenda. At the same time, we, as before, are ready to discuss any initiatives aimed at strengthening the health of the population of our country,” the ministry said.
According to the law, adopted on February 13, 2020, some provisions come into force from January 1, 2021.
In particular, the ban on the public display of tobacco products, their accessories or substitutes for tobacco products in shops and catering facilities, the a ban on advertising of tobacco products, their accessories, tobacco substitutes or imitations of tobacco products, as well as their trademarks in places intended for the sale tobacco products and the ban on the use of tobacco products, tobacco substitutes in hotel facilities, other closed working areas, regardless of the form of ownership, shopping centers, any other closed public places, including public areas (with some exceptions).
Other key provisions of the law, in particular the ban on the use of tobacco products and their substitutes in public catering facilities, come into force on March 15, 2022. –0--
The ministry said in a statement that the legislation had been comprehensively discussed by lawmakers and it was decided that it would enter into force gradually, giving time to the public and business entities to get prepared for it.
“It is not clear why the National Assembly has decided to bring this issue back to its agenda at a time when the country is facing numerous challenges that require solution from all state institutions, especially that the anti-tobacco law is aimed at creating a healthier generation, which will inevitably strengthen the economy and the general resistance of the country,” the ministry said.
The ministry recalled that it has repeatedly provided evidence that the provisions of the law will not only contribute to the development of the country, but also provide an opportunity to reduce the incidence of various non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer. It will also contribute to the effective fight against various epidemics (such as coronavirus).
“Taking into account the above, we urge the MPs to withdraw the postponement of the law from the parliament's agenda. At the same time, we, as before, are ready to discuss any initiatives aimed at strengthening the health of the population of our country,” the ministry said.
According to the law, adopted on February 13, 2020, some provisions come into force from January 1, 2021.
In particular, the ban on the public display of tobacco products, their accessories or substitutes for tobacco products in shops and catering facilities, the a ban on advertising of tobacco products, their accessories, tobacco substitutes or imitations of tobacco products, as well as their trademarks in places intended for the sale tobacco products and the ban on the use of tobacco products, tobacco substitutes in hotel facilities, other closed working areas, regardless of the form of ownership, shopping centers, any other closed public places, including public areas (with some exceptions).
Other key provisions of the law, in particular the ban on the use of tobacco products and their substitutes in public catering facilities, come into force on March 15, 2022. –0--
