Smoking age
Encyclopedia
The minimum legal age to purchase cigarette
s or tobacco
products varies from country to country. Ages range from 14 to 21, but 18 tends to be the most common legal smoking age.
Ban on the sale of tobacco to minors under 18 years; restrictions on the distribution of free samples per Order No. 731 of 1990-05-30.
advertising. This may not link product consumption to success or mental or physical wellbeing.
and Wallonia.
to persons under the age of 18. The federal legislation is meant to reinforce, but not limit or restrict, provincial
sales-to-minors legislation regarding tobacco products. Indeed, certain provinces, namely Newfoundland
, New Brunswick
, Prince Edward Island
, Ontario
, Nova Scotia
and British Columbia
have increased the legal age for the purchase of tobacco products to 19. In some provinces (such as Ontario), it is not illegal for someone underage to have tobacco but the person who sold or gave it to minors has broken the law.
is required per the Law on the Restricted Use of Tobacco Products, Article 7. Vending machine
s selling tobacco are prohibited per The Law on the Restricted Use of Tobacco Products, Article 8.
of August 19, 2007 on the Protection Against Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, Sec.4(1)(e). Health warnings fall under the same legislation of the European Union. The warning message is introduced by "Ministerstvo zdravotnictví varuje" (The ministry of health warns).
Smoking is banned in all Ministry of Health workplaces and in meetings of public councils, boards, and commissions unless all participants agree to permit smoking per Circular of 23 March 1988 of the Ministry of Health on the provision of nonsmoking environments on public premises, means of transport, etc. The agreement applies to all tobacco products, including cigarette paper and tubes, bans the use of models, actresses or actors appearing to be under 30 years, celebrities, health personnel, and sports personalities in ads; press advertising is restricted to a single page (Code of practice between the tobacco industry and the government, latest update in 1992).
In 2009, France made it illegal for persons under the age of 18 to buy cigarettes. Previously, selling cigarettes to persons under the age of 16 is illegal.
(Police) are only allowed to confiscate cigarettes and other tobacco objects off people under the age of 16 .
, health care institutions, educational institutions, and retail enterprises where 50% or more of the goods available are intended for children. Tobacco vending machines are restricted per Law on Tobacco Control, Article 10. This, however, may be changed in the near future. Smoking in public by minors is prohibited by a recent law. In case of not respecting the law, the parents of the minor are alerted, if it is a second time, they are charged a fine.
The sale of tobacco products through vending machines is banned. [RPPL 4–25 Sec.4(3);Regulations Governing Sale of Tobacco Products Sec.4]
Article 11 .- In the marketing bans
They are:
Article 12 .- In the provision of vending machines
The offense is punishable with a fine of up to €750 and applies to restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, malls (except in identified areas), hospitals, schools, workplaces and public transports. There is a proposition to ban vending machines in places accessible to people younger than 18.
In an attempt to reduce consumption, taxes and minimum prices of cigarettes have been greatly increased in the last 3 years. Cannabis is also freely smoked.
vending machine ban. [Solomon Islands Tobacco Products Control Act,Sec.13]
Vending Machines:Restricted[Law No.4914 Sec.9]
Sale is banned in public schools and in health establishments. [Royal Decree 1199/1999 of Implementing Law 13/1998, Article 32, Sec. 1 and Law 13/1998 of May 4 on Tobacco Trade and Tax Legislation, Article 4, Sec. 9; Order of November 7, 1989, Ministry of Education and Science, Article 1]
Vending Machines:Ban[Tobacco Products Control Act, BE 2535, Sec.5]
, 17 March 1925]
, Wales
and Scotland
(increased from 16 on 1 October 2007). The age of legally being able to smoke in the UK is 18 raised from 16 in February 2011.
The minimum age in Northern Ireland
was raised from 16 to 18 in 2008.
-
When a customer appears to be under a specific age, state and local laws may require retailers to verify age from official documentation. The tobacco purchase age has been raised to 19 in Alabama
, Alaska
, New Jersey
, Utah
, and the counties of Onondaga
, Nassau
and Suffolk
in New York
Cigarette
A cigarette is a small roll of finely cut tobacco leaves wrapped in a cylinder of thin paper for smoking. The cigarette is ignited at one end and allowed to smoulder; its smoke is inhaled from the other end, which is held in or to the mouth and in some cases a cigarette holder may be used as well...
s or tobacco
Tobacco
Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. It can be consumed, used as a pesticide and, in the form of nicotine tartrate, used in some medicines...
products varies from country to country. Ages range from 14 to 21, but 18 tends to be the most common legal smoking age.
Asia
| Country / Region | De jure De jure De jure is an expression that means "concerning law", as contrasted with de facto, which means "concerning fact".De jure = 'Legally', De facto = 'In fact'.... |
Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking age | Purchase age | ||
 Armenia |
None | 18 | |
 Bangladesh |
15 | ||
 Hong Kong |
None | 18 | |
 India |
18 | ||
 Indonesia |
no minimum age | ||
 Iran |
18 | ||
 South Korea |
19 | ||
 Japan |
20 | ||
 Jordan |
18 | ||
 Kuwait |
21 | ||
 Macau |
18 | ||
 Malaysia |
18 | ||
 Mongolia |
16 | ||
 Pakistan |
18 | ||
 Singapore |
18 | ||
 Sri Lanka |
21 | ||
 Republic of China |
18 | ||
 Thailand |
None | 18 | |
Europe
| Country / Region | De jure De jure De jure is an expression that means "concerning law", as contrasted with de facto, which means "concerning fact".De jure = 'Legally', De facto = 'In fact'.... |
Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking Age | Purchase Age | ||
 Austria |
16 | ||
 Belarus |
18 | ||
 Belgium |
16 | ||
 Kingdom of Bulgaria |
18 | ||
 Cyprus |
18 | ||
 Czech Republic |
18 | ||
 Denmark |
None | 18 | (16 prior to September 1, 2008) |
 Estonia |
18 | ||
 Finland |
18* | 18 | (*None prior to October 1, 2010) |
 Early Modern France |
18 | (16 prior to March, 2009) | |
 Germany |
18 | ||
 Greece |
16 | ||
 Hungary |
18 | ||
 Republic of Ireland |
18 | ||
 Isle of Man |
None | 18 | |
 Italy |
None | 16 | |
 Netherlands |
None | 16 | |
 Luxembourg |
None | 16 | (The tobacco control law, voted on 11 August 2006, prohibits selling tobacco to minors under 16 years) |
 Moldova |
16 | ||
 Kingdom of Montenegro |
18 | ||
 Norway |
None | 18 | |
 Poland |
18 | ||
 Portugal |
18 | Law decret #156/07 article 15 from the Republic Diary | |
 Kingdom of Romania |
None | 18 | |
 Serbia |
18 | ||
 Slovakia |
18 | ||
 Spain |
18 | 18 | |
 Sweden |
None | 18 | |
 Switzerland |
17/18 | (Each canton has its own law: in some it is 16, in others 18.) | |
 United Kingdom |
18 | 18 | (Was able to be purchased at 16 until October 2007.) |
Australia
Sales of tobacco to children under the age of 18 are illegal in all Australian states and territories. It is also illegal for a person over 18 to give a child under 18 cigarettes or tobacco products. It is not, however, illegal for a person under 18 to purchase cigarettes (only the shopowner is prosecuted), and there is no restriction on the possession and consumption of tobacco for those under 18. The smoking age varies among states and territories but 18 to purchase.Ban on the sale of tobacco to minors under 18 years; restrictions on the distribution of free samples per Order No. 731 of 1990-05-30.
Belarus
Advertising of tobacco is prohibited on television and radio from 07:00 to 22:00, on the first and last pages of newspapers or magazines or at or near sports centres or public health facilities. Tobacco advertising may not describe the properties of the product, nor show the cigarette. The product package may be showed only on point of salePoint of sale
Point of sale or checkout is the location where a transaction occurs...
advertising. This may not link product consumption to success or mental or physical wellbeing.
Belgium
Cigarettes can not be sold to persons under 16. The law was strictly enforced, in both FlandersFlanders
Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp...
and Wallonia.
Canada
The federal Tobacco Sales to Young Persons Act (TSYPA), which came into force 1994-02-08, prohibits the sale of tobacco products in CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
to persons under the age of 18. The federal legislation is meant to reinforce, but not limit or restrict, provincial
Provinces and territories of Canada
The provinces and territories of Canada combine to make up the world's second-largest country by area. There are ten provinces and three territories...
sales-to-minors legislation regarding tobacco products. Indeed, certain provinces, namely Newfoundland
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is the easternmost province of Canada. Situated in the country's Atlantic region, it incorporates the island of Newfoundland and mainland Labrador with a combined area of . As of April 2011, the province's estimated population is 508,400...
, New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
, Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is a Canadian province consisting of an island of the same name, as well as other islands. The maritime province is the smallest in the nation in both land area and population...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
and British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
have increased the legal age for the purchase of tobacco products to 19. In some provinces (such as Ontario), it is not illegal for someone underage to have tobacco but the person who sold or gave it to minors has broken the law.
Chile
Prohibition of tobacco advertising in publications designated for minors under 10 years. It is prohibited to offer, distribute, or give free of charge tobacco products to minors under 16 years of age in public places.Colombia
Mandate that cigarettes or tobacco may be dispensed only to persons aged 18 and older. (Ley 30 January 1986,"The National Intoxication Statute") Advertising allowed on television between 2300 and 0600 and is limited to 30 seconds for each brand; commercial advertising must devote 20% of transmission time to the warning "tobacco is harmful to health" due to Resolution No. 4063 of 1982 regulating Decree No. 3430 of 26 November concerning restrictions on advertising. A new tobacco control law, voted in July 2009, prohibits—among other changes—the sale of tobacco to minors.Cook Islands
The legal smoking age is 21, and a signature is required per Tobacco Products Control Act (No.3) 1987 Sec.6.Costa Rica
Sale of cigarettes to minors (younger than age 18 years) is prohibited per Decree No. 17967-S of 4 February 1988. Consumption by children under the age of 10 is prohibited.Croatia
The legal smoking age is 18. SignageSignage
Signage is any kind of visual graphics created to display information to a particular audience. This is typically manifested in the form of wayfinding information in places such as streets or inside/outside of buildings.-History:...
is required per the Law on the Restricted Use of Tobacco Products, Article 7. Vending machine
Vending machine
A vending machine is a machine which dispenses items such as snacks, beverages, alcohol, cigarettes, lottery tickets, consumer products and even gold and gems to customers automatically, after the customer inserts currency or credit into the machine....
s selling tobacco are prohibited per The Law on the Restricted Use of Tobacco Products, Article 8.
Cuba
The Ministry of Commerce Resolution bans the sale of cigarettes to persons under the age of 16.Czech Republic
The legal smoking age is 10 per Law 379/2005 of the Czech National CouncilCzech National Council
The Czech National Council was the legislative body of the Czech Republic from 1968 to 1992. It was created in 1968 to reflect the fact that Czechoslovakia became a federation. It was legally transformed into the Chamber of deputies according to the Constitution The Czech National Council was the...
of August 19, 2007 on the Protection Against Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, Sec.4(1)(e). Health warnings fall under the same legislation of the European Union. The warning message is introduced by "Ministerstvo zdravotnictví varuje" (The ministry of health warns).
Denmark
In Denmark, the age for buying tobacco is 18.Smoking is banned in all Ministry of Health workplaces and in meetings of public councils, boards, and commissions unless all participants agree to permit smoking per Circular of 23 March 1988 of the Ministry of Health on the provision of nonsmoking environments on public premises, means of transport, etc. The agreement applies to all tobacco products, including cigarette paper and tubes, bans the use of models, actresses or actors appearing to be under 30 years, celebrities, health personnel, and sports personalities in ads; press advertising is restricted to a single page (Code of practice between the tobacco industry and the government, latest update in 1992).
Dominican Republic
The sale and supply of alcoholic drinks and tobacco products to minors under age 18 is prohibited per Law Number 272.Ecuador
The consumption of cigarettes and alcohol inside and around all schools (at all educational levels) by staff and students is prohibited per Law No. 2369 of the Ministry of Education and Culture.El Salvador
The legal smoking age is 18. Cigarette sales to minors are banned per Decree No. 955 of 11 May 1988 promulgating the Health Code (Division 41-(Secs.196-190)).Estonia
The legal smoking age is 18 per Tobacco Act,Chapter 2,Sec.17(1)(1). Sale of tobacco is prohibited in health care institutions, education institutions, and sports establishments per Tobacco Act, Chapter 2,Sec.17(1)(5).The minimum age to purchase tobacco is set at 18 per Decree on the Measure to Reduce Tobacco Smoking, Sec.12; Act on the Measures to Reduce Tobacco Smoking,Sec.11. Tobacco Vending Machines, sale of individual cigarettes and the distribution of Tobacco for free is illegal.Finland
Prior to 1995, the legal age on purchasing and use of the cigarettes was 16. Beginning March 1995, selling cigarettes to persons under 18 is an offence and beginning October 2010, smoking of cigarettes by minors is an offence.France
Persons under 18 cannot smoke in schools per the Evin Law (passed in November 1992, effective 1 January 1993). Smoking is prohibited in schools receiving people under 16 per Law No. 76-616 of 9 July 1976 concerning measures to combat smoking. Vending machines outside tobacco shops are forbidden per Directive 2 K-1-89 of 19 December 1988. The directive was approved 19 December 1988 and effective 21 November 1989.In 2009, France made it illegal for persons under the age of 18 to buy cigarettes. Previously, selling cigarettes to persons under the age of 16 is illegal.
Germany
The Protection of Young Persons in Public Act states that children and young people under 18 years of age shall not be permitted to smoke in public per the law on the protection of juveniles in public (as of 1 September 2007, previous age limit was 16). Television and radio advertising is banned. Advertisements that create the impression that the consumption or the proper use of tobacco products is harmless to health or is likely to have a favorable effect on the functioning of the body and physical performance, are likely to induce juveniles or adolescents to smoke, make it appear that inhaling of tobacco smoke is something to be imitated, or suggest that tobacco products are natural or pure are banned per the law of 15 August 1974 for the overall reform of foodstuffs law. No advertising elements typical to the environment of young people, media stars, sports personalities, or models under 30. The use of the terms "mild" and "light" are limited per Voluntary Restrictions on Advertising.Honduras
The sale of cigarettes or tobacco products to persons under 21 years of age is prohibited. Since the anti tobacco law was approved and started in February 21, 2011.Hong Kong
Selling cigarettes to persons under 18 is not permitted, but there is no legal age on smoking. Vending machine selling tobacco are also not permitted. It is also strictly enforced, in Macau.Hungary
The legal smoking age is 18 per the Law on the Protection of the Rights of Non-Smokers and on the Prevention of Health Damage Related to Smoking, Sec. 2, version b. The sale of tobacco is prohibited within 200 m of schools and health care units per the Law on the Protection of the Rights of Non-Smokers and on the Prevention of Health Damage Related to Smoking, Sec. 2. Vending machines selling tobacco are restricted. Children and persons under 18 cannot smoke anywhere even in the places where smoking is allowed. Tobacco cannot be sold to minors under 18 years or distributed as free samples per the New Tobacco Act (submitted to Parliament in 1996, passed in April 1999, effective November 1999).Iceland
Sales to minors under 18 are prohibited. Vending machines selling tobacco are banned. No tobacco may be sold in schools or institutions for minors. Smoking in schools, day nurseries, buildings intended for social and leisure activities of people under 18, and health centers are prohibited per Law No.6 of 31 May 2002 on the prevention of the use of tobacco.Indonesia
Advertising of tobacco allowed on television between 21:30 and 05:00. There is no minimum age in Indonesia, for both smoking and purchasing cigarettes, as of January 2010.Ireland
The sale of tobacco to persons under 18 is illegal. Although 18 is the legal smoking age, Gardai SíochánaGarda Síochána
, more commonly referred to as the Gardaí , is the police force of Ireland. The service is headed by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Irish Government. Its headquarters are located in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.- Terminology :...
(Police) are only allowed to confiscate cigarettes and other tobacco objects off people under the age of 16 .
Israel
The sale of tobacco to people under 18 is illegal. Printed advertisements are prohibited from including names, appellations or photos of celebrities, persons under 40,the legal age to smoke it 16 persons in uniform and persons in sport dress or bathing suits per Tobacco Products for Smoking (Restriction on Advertising) Law, 5743-1983.Japan
It is illegal to sell cigarettes to persons under age 20 in Japan.Kazakhstan
Sale of tobacco to those under 18 is illegal. Advertising to minors and vending machines are also prohibited.Latvia
The sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 is prohibited per Tobacco Products Manufacture, Sales, Advertising And Smoking Restrictions (approval date 18 December 1996, effective date 1 January 1997). Cigarette vending machines are also prohibited.Lithuania
The legal smoking age is 18 per Law on Tobacco Control, Article 10 (8). The sale of tobacco is prohibited in pharmaciesPharmacy
Pharmacy is the health profession that links the health sciences with the chemical sciences and it is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs...
, health care institutions, educational institutions, and retail enterprises where 50% or more of the goods available are intended for children. Tobacco vending machines are restricted per Law on Tobacco Control, Article 10. This, however, may be changed in the near future. Smoking in public by minors is prohibited by a recent law. In case of not respecting the law, the parents of the minor are alerted, if it is a second time, they are charged a fine.
Luxembourg
The tobacco industry is prohibited from sponsoring events for children. Smoking is prohibited in hospitals, waiting rooms of physicians and dentists, pharmacies, educational establishments, places that receive or house persons under 16 years of age per Law of 24 March 1989 restricting the advertising of tobacco and tobacco products and prohibiting smoking in certain places. This, however, may well be changed in the near future. On 11 August 2006 a new tobacco control law has been voted. It is now forbidden to sell tobacco products to minors under 16. Only the seller is punishable.Malaysia
Prior to May 1994, there is no legal age on smoking. Starting May 15, 1994, cigarettes can only be sold to persons aged 18 and above, and selling cigarettes to persons under this age is illegal.Mauritius
A person must be 18 years old to purchase or to smoke cigarettes including any tobacco products as is indicated in Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) Regulations 1999, Sec. 2(e)(i).Mexico
A person must be 18 years old to purchase or to smoke cigarettes including any tobacco products.Nauru
Not for sale for children under 16 due to the Prohibition of the Possession of Tobacco by Children Ordinance 1924, No.7/1924, Sec. 2.Netherlands
The sale of tobacco to persons under 16 is illegal. Smoking of tobacco is prohibited by law in all public buildings and in public transport. As of January 1, 2004 every employee has the right to work in a smoke-free environment. All forms of tobacco advertising, promotion or sponsorship are prohibited. Smoking remains prevalent in the Netherlands despite these efforts.New Zealand
It is illegal in New Zealand to sell cigarettes and tobacco products to persons aged under 18. It is also illegal for a person over 18 to give a person under 18 cigarettes or tobacco products in a public place. It is not, however, illegal for a person under 18 to purchase cigarettes (only the shop-owner is prosecuted), and there is no restriction on the possession and consumption of tobacco for those under 18. [Smoke-free Environments Act 1990, Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 2003]Norway
No age limit for use of tobacco but no sales of cigarettes or swedish snus to people under 18 by law. Vending machines are only allowed when they are cited inside an approved store, with a demand of buying a receipt from the cashier first. and imitation tobacco products are not allowed. Cigarette commercials are also strictly forbidden by law. As of June 2004, smoking is prohibited in all public places, including restaurants, pubs and work places.Pakistan
The minimum age to purchase tobacco is 16, which is self-imposed by distributors and retailers. Sixteen is also the smoking age.The sale of tobacco products through vending machines is banned. [RPPL 4–25 Sec.4(3);Regulations Governing Sale of Tobacco Products Sec.4]
Papua New Guinea
No sale to anyone under the age of 18. A person shall not sell or hand over tobacco products to a person who is or apparently is under the age of 18 years, including imitations of tobacco products. [The Tobacco Products (Health Control) Act 1987]Peru
The General Act on Prevention and Control of the Risks of Use of Snuff (Law No. 28705) was developed by Congress of the Republic. Articles 11 and 12 have the following provisions:Article 11 .- In the marketing bans
They are:
- Direct or indirect sale of snuff products in any health or education facilities, whether public or private and public agencies is prohibited.
- The sale of snuff products to persons under 18 years is banned.
- The selling of snuff products by persons under 18 years is forbidden.
- The selling of cigarettes without filters is forbidden.
- The selling of snuff product packages containing less than five (5) units is forbidden.
- The promotional free distribution of snuff products, except when in an objective and verifiable manner it can be shown that the recipient is over 18 years, is forbidden.
- The promotional and/or free distribution of toys similar to snuff products or alluding to them, which may be attractive to minors is forbidden.
Article 12 .- In the provision of vending machines
- The sale of snuff products in vending machines can only be performed on premises to which access is permitted only to persons over 18 years.
Philippines
Only people over 18 may buy cigarettes and tobacco due to the "STOP for Health Act". (Stop Tobacco and Other Products for Health)Poland
Minors under 18 may not buy tobacco products. [Law of 9 November 1995 on the protection of health against the effects of the consumption of tobacco and tobacco products]Portugal
Since 2008, the minimum age for purchase and consumption of tobacco is 18. Previously, the minimum age was 16. Advertisements for any kind of tobacco, appearing in or on television, radio, newspapers or magazines are also prohibited. It is an offense to smoke in any public, closed place that does not meet the established requirements (at least 100 m² with an exhauster and an identified zone dedicated to smokers).The offense is punishable with a fine of up to €750 and applies to restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, malls (except in identified areas), hospitals, schools, workplaces and public transports. There is a proposition to ban vending machines in places accessible to people younger than 18.
In an attempt to reduce consumption, taxes and minimum prices of cigarettes have been greatly increased in the last 3 years. Cannabis is also freely smoked.
Romania
There is a ban on sale of tobacco to those younger than 18. Vending machines selling tobacco are banned. There is no minimum legal age of smoking.Serbia
The sale to persons under 18 is prohibited. Contrary to that, a lot of salesmen sell cigarettes to minors in Serbia.Singapore
It is illegal to sell cigarettes to persons under 18, but the legal age to smoke by the government is 21. Anyone before this age may have to pay fines and can also be prosecuted by the government act.Slovakia
The minimum age is 18 [Law on Protection of Non-Smokers, Sec.6(3)] and there is a vending machine ban. [Law on Protection of Non-Smokers, Sec. 6(2)(c)]Slovenia
The sale to those under 18 is illegal and there is a vending machine ban. [Restriction on the Use of Tobacco Products Act, Sec. 14]Solomon Islands
One must be over 18. [Solomon Islands Tobacco Products Control Act, Sec.12(1)] and there is avending machine ban. [Solomon Islands Tobacco Products Control Act,Sec.13]
South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Cigarettes can not be sold to persons under 19. [Law No.4914 Sec.9]Vending Machines:Restricted[Law No.4914 Sec.9]
Spain
One must be at least 18 to purchase and 15 to smoke tobacco. [Royal Decree 192/2010 of March 4 Regarding Limitations in the Sale and Use of Tobacco to Protect the Health of the Population, Article 5, Sec.1]Sale is banned in public schools and in health establishments. [Royal Decree 1199/1999 of Implementing Law 13/1998, Article 32, Sec. 1 and Law 13/1998 of May 4 on Tobacco Trade and Tax Legislation, Article 4, Sec. 9; Order of November 7, 1989, Ministry of Education and Science, Article 1]
Sweden
Prior to 1997, no legal age on smoking. Starting January 1997, no persons under age 18 is allowed to purchase or use tobacco products. [Swedish Tobacco Act, Sec.12]Taiwan (Republic of China)
Cigarettes cannot be sold to persons under 18, although the legal age in Taiwan is 20.Thailand
One must be over 18 to buy. [Tobacco Products Control Act, BE 2535, Sec.4]Vending Machines:Ban[Tobacco Products Control Act, BE 2535, Sec.5]
Algeria
You must be 18 years at least to buy, and vending machines are banned in algeria [Law No 33-16 21 March 1993] for the prevention of smoking dangers.Trinidad and Tobago
One must be 18 years and above to buy and use tobacco products legally. [An act relating to the protection of children and young persons, industrial schools, and orphanages, and juvenile offenders (the Children Act), Chap. 46:01, Laws of Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago officially the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean, lying just off the coast of northeastern Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles...
, 17 March 1925]
Tunisia
Vending machines are banned. [Law No. 98-17 of 23 February 1998 on the prevention of the damage caused by tobacco consumption]Turkey
The minimum age is 18. [The Law on the Prevention of Harm Induced by Tobacco Products, Law No. 4207, Article 3]United Kingdom
It is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 in EnglandEngland
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
and Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
(increased from 16 on 1 October 2007). The age of legally being able to smoke in the UK is 18 raised from 16 in February 2011.
The minimum age in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
was raised from 16 to 18 in 2008.
-
United States
Each state and many localities have different smoking laws. The purchase of tobacco by a person under the age is illegal and the vender may suffer a fine for selling the under aged person tobacco products the buyer may suffer a fine also, however the smoking of the product by a person under 18 is not illegal because by limiting the age limit the person cannot purchase tobacco without the assistance of an adult. By making the adult purchase the product it is showing that they have the parents consent.When a customer appears to be under a specific age, state and local laws may require retailers to verify age from official documentation. The tobacco purchase age has been raised to 19 in Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
, and the counties of Onondaga
Onondaga County, New York
Onondaga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 467,026. The county seat is Syracuse.Onondaga County is part of the Syracuse, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, Nassau
Nassau County, New York
Nassau County is a suburban county on Long Island, east of New York City in the U.S. state of New York, within the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,339,532...
and Suffolk
Suffolk County, New York
Suffolk County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York on the eastern portion of Long Island. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,493,350. It was named for the county of Suffolk in England, from which its earliest settlers came...
in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
Vietnam
On 9 September 1999, a Ministry of Trade circular prohibited retailers from operating cigarette vending machines or selling tobacco to those under the age of 18.Zimbabwe
Cigarettes cannot be sold to persons under 16 years of age.See also
- Smoking banSmoking banSmoking bans are public policies, including criminal laws and occupational safety and health regulations, which prohibit tobacco smoking in workplaces and/or other public spaces...
- Tobacco politicsTobacco politicsTobacco politics refers to the politics surrounding the use and distribution of tobacco.-Taxation:Tobacco has been taxed by state governments in the United States for decades...
- List of smoking bans
- National Non-Smoking WeekNational Non-Smoking WeekNational Non-Smoking Week is a yearly event in Canada. Since 1977, it continues to be observed on the third full week of January, starting on the Sunday...
- National Tobacco Cessation CollaborativeNational Tobacco Cessation CollaborativeThe National Tobacco Cessation Collaborative was formed in June 2005 to improve the public's health by increasing successful cessation among tobacco users in the U.S. and Canada through collaborative efforts of committed organizations...