How do countries ban smoking?

America

The United States has a very high rate of teenage smoking, and to curb this ever-increasing number, the US government has enacted a law prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to those under 21 years of age. Prior to this, the US had also stipulated that only those over 18 could purchase cigarettes.

Singapore

Singapore banned smoking in public places such as buses, public restrooms, and shopping malls in the 1970s. Later, this ban was extended to entertainment venues like bars and restaurants, with owners of these establishments being responsible for ensuring customers do not smoke. Singapore still allows the construction of designated smoking rooms, but they must not occupy a significant amount of space.

You are only allowed to smoke in areas where signs indicate that smoking is permitted. However, if caught smoking in a prohibited area, you may be fined between S$200 and S$1,000 and face legal consequences.

Japan

Furthermore, to curb smoking, the Japanese government has implemented a policy of increasing taxes on cigarettes. Every type of cigarette in Japan has the same price everywhere, and is extremely expensive, costing over 460 Yen (approximately 90,000 VND) per pack, with no discounts for bulk purchases.

A machine checks ID cards to verify that individuals are 20 years old or older and therefore eligible to purchase cigarettes in Japan. (Image: Internet)

Automatic cigarette vending machines are quite common in Japan; however, to buy cigarettes there, you must have proof that you are at least 20 years old. Violators can be arrested and fined up to 10,000 Yen (approximately 2 million VND).

India

India has over 1 million deaths annually due to smoking, and its smoking rate accounts for 12% of the world's total. Therefore, anti-smoking campaigns are highly prioritized, and smoking bans in public places are strictly enforced in India.

What's most remarkable is that India has regulations banning all scenes of smoking and tobacco advertising in films and television programs; even cigarette packs are not allowed to appear.

Spain

Spain, the land of bullfighting, has had a smoking ban for quite some time, but there are exceptions for clubs that allow smoking. Smoking is almost completely prohibited on playgrounds, outdoor areas at medical centers, and educational institutions.

Spain plans to ban smoking in sports stadiums, bullfighting arenas, and festivals in the future.

Slovakia

This country has the strangest smoking ban in Europe. Cigarettes are prohibited in workplaces, while designated smoking areas in bars and restaurants occupy up to 50% of the total floor space.

Australia

Australia has one of the strictest smoking bans in the world. Almost every Australian state and territory has implemented bans on smoking in vehicles with children, in public places, and in restaurants. Some local councils have also banned smoking on beaches and sports stadiums, with substantial fines.

Australia mandates that cigarette packaging be designed in a way that makes smoking less enjoyable, thereby reducing the amount smoked. (Image: Internet)

This country is also known for having the most expensive cigarettes in the world. A pack of 20 cigarettes sells for as much as US$15.35 in Australia, equivalent to approximately 335,000 Vietnamese dong.

Ireland

The Republic of Ireland was the first country in the world to enact a completely anti-smoking law in 2004, followed by Scotland, the first country in the United Kingdom (Wales, Scotland, England, Northern Ireland) to implement a similar law. Smoking in the workplace in Ireland can result in fines of up to $3,347 (approximately 73 million Vietnamese dong).

Bhutan recently gained recognition as the first country in the world to completely ban smoking in all places and in all forms. This peaceful nation, deeply rooted in Buddhism, prioritizes both people and nature in its development.

Here, even tobacco isn't grown, and statistics show that only 1% of the population smokes. Foreigners can smoke and import tobacco, but the government doesn't allow them to trade it. To bring tobacco into the country, you'll have to pay a 100% import tax. If caught smoking, locals face fines of up to $225 USD (approximately 5 million VND) or more.

Ha Chi