ANP extension
It is a new step in an existing ambition: a smoke-free generation in 2040. A new set of measures aims to further reduce smoking. State Secretary for Health Maarten van Ooijen hopes to return on schedule. “We do not see progress, but stagnation.”
Young people smoke not less, but even more. And so cigarettes will become more expensive again, the price of a pack of cigarettes will increase in the next two years: in 2024 a pack should cost an average of 10 euros. The number of non-smoking places will also be increased. Where many children come – such as playgrounds and sports clubs – there is a ban on smoking.
discourage
The Trimbos Institute says only big steps have an effect, and cigarette prices need to rise much faster. “We end up making cigarettes very expensive,” says Van Ooijen. “These are small steps, but they could be even bigger steps in the long run.” He wants to stop people from buying cigarettes abroad.
For e-cigarettes, the number of outlets is decreasing and from 2025 e-cigarettes will only be sold in specialized shops. This applies to regular cigarettes from 2032. And all flavors for e-cigarettes will be permanently withdrawn from the market.
The e-cigarette would encourage people to actually smoke instead of discouraging smoking. Shops will have nine months from January 1 to sell the flavored e-cigarettes. After that, a ban applies.
lost market
Van Ooijen understands the criticisms that the effective date of the measures is far off. But he also wants to give dealers, dealers and petrol stations the space to complete everything correctly. “We give a relatively large amount of time, but that’s fair too. You can’t do it in 2024. It’s just too fast.”
He calls youth vaping very creepy. “The tobacco industry is trying to regain a lost market.” So why isn’t the cabinet banning flavored tobacco vapes? “Tobacco flavoring is still allowed, because it could be a tool for a group of heavy smokers,” says Van Ooijen.
The increase in excise duties on vaping – also a measure suggested by the Trimbos Institute – is an issue that concerns Europe, according to the secretary of state, but does not rule it out. “But this really needs to be regulated at the European level.”
The government’s ambitions also include halving excessive alcohol consumption. The figures show that alcohol consumption has only increased. Therefore, these ambitions were also not achieved. Van Ooijen: “We are not proposing any new measures now, because talks with the beverage industry have stalled.”
The government withdrew from consultations with the beverage industry because the differences between the views and interests of, for example, alcohol producers and health organizations proved irreconcilable. The Secretary of State announces measures against alcohol consumption, which will come next year.
