(SABAH)
New regulations to take effect in three months' time dictates that in order to prevent further damage to the nation's health and sales to minors, cigarettes must literally be sold under the table.
According to the release of new regulations established by Turkey's Tobacco Products and Alcoholic Beverages Market Regulation Board (TAPDK) yesterday regarding the promotion, sales and displays of tobacco and alcoholic products; cigarettes will no longer be on visible display for consumers to easily purchase. According to the new regulations which will go into effect in 2011, tobacco products will be sold in a separate display case that is not visible from the street. In addition, the new regulations also stipulate that in order to ensure that minors under the age of 18 are not sold tobacco products, employees will be held under close inspection and supervision. Cigarettes will also no longer be sold in locations that in anyway deal with health or education, nor will they be sold in Cultural or Sports Centers. The TAPDK's regulations dealing with cigarette sales will go into effect in three months' time.
According to Department of Cancer Chairman Prof. Dr. Murat Tuncer, someone is killed every eight seconds from cigarette smoking. "I support any initiative made towards minimizing smoking," Tuncer states.
The European Union Commission has also begun a new initiative geared towards minimizing the draw of purchasing cigarettes. Accordingly, they plan to remove the logos off of cigarette packs, as well as any form of graphics or advertising. Any writing on packs will have to be in the exact same character style and size.
