And the number of smokers? It diminished for a short period of time only, reports the National Institute of Public Health. Therefore they are again appealing for stricter legislation and increase in price of tobacco products. According to Helena Koprivnikar from the Institute of Public Health, a complete ban on advertising and exhibiting tobacco products should be introduced; they support introduction of uniform packaging, while in her opinion in Slovenia the problem is also the easy access of young persons to tobacco products.

Koprivnikar finds very promising also the new European directive, to be introduced into Slovenian legislation until May next year. The crucial novelties are introduction of combined text and visual health warnings, of larger size than currently, printed on the upper front part of the packaging, including images of smoker's lungs, teeth, fetuses, which will change yearly. The prohibition of flavoured tobacco products, from menthol to fruit flavours, should reduce the appeal of smoking.

Nika Benedik, Radio Slovenija
Translated by G. K.