The Parliament of Armenia approves new law on tobacco control

On 11 February 2020, the Parliament of Armenia voted for a tobacco control law aimed at substantially strengthening tobacco control in a country with the second highest number of male smokers in the WHO European Region. During the parliamentary debates on the tobacco control bill, Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Lena Nanushyan, said: “Cigarette smoking is responsible for 10% of annual deaths in Armenia and this is a significant number”.

The new law includes, among other measures: a ban on indoor smoking in all public places, workplaces and public transport; and a total ban on the advertisement and promotion of tobacco products. The ban on smoking in cafés and restaurants will come into force in March 2022. The fine for a violation of the smoking ban in indoor places ranges from 50 000 drams (US$ 105) to 200 000 drams (US$ 418).

Once implemented, the new law will reduce tobacco use and improve health in, and the economy of, Armenia.