A proposed new Act on the Restriction of Use of Tobacco Products, presented by the Ministry of Health last week, will be publicly debated this week. The new bill will see the implementation of the new EU Tobacco Products Directive into Slovenia's legal system.

The new anti-tobacco legislation follows a resolution on a National health protection plan 2016-2025. The main goal of the plan is to achieve a tobacco-free Slovenia. The new bill will introduce graphic images showing the adverse health effects of smoking, ban scented tobacco products such as menthol-flavored cigarettes, and ban the online sale of tobacco products. The new legislation will also introduce a full ban on advertising, showcasing and promoting tobacco and tobacco-related products at all points of sale. In selling areas it will be prohibited to put tobacco products on visible display or make them easily accessible to buyers.

70.000 euros for prevention
The Ministry of Health also plans to introduce a so-called anti-tobacco or tobacco cent. The tobacco cent is to provide the state with funds for smoking prevention projects. "We know that prevention and raising awareness are the best instruments we have to make people stop smoking," is the health ministry’s opinion. The ministry sets aside around 50.000 euros per year to co-finance programs aimed to prevent people from starting to smoke and give up smoking. The programs in question are carried out by non-profit institutions and NGOs. The ministry also earmarks an additional 20.000 euros per year to finance the toll-free number 080 2777, which offers counseling to those trying to give up smoking.
"The ministry also finances the work program of the National Institute of Public Health, including activities aimed at tobacco oversight, expert groundwork for setting up measures and developing prevention programs, and informing and raising the awareness of the public and individual groups of citizens," is what the health ministry says about its financing of anti-tobacco activities.