Strict sanctions tighten the noose on smokers in Türkiye

Türkiye’s Ministry of Health is preparing a new draft law that would introduce tougher penalties, expand the scope of the smoking ban, and impose stricter financial and administrative sanctions on smokers across the country.

The draft legislation has been prepared in cooperation with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and is expected to be formally submitted to Parliament immediately after discussions on the 2027 budget are concluded.

Relevant authorities emphasize that all the proposed restrictions and penalties remain under discussion and are still at the draft legislation stage. They have not yet come into force.

One of the key proposed amendments involves redefining “enclosed spaces” in tourism and entertainment establishments. Strict restrictions on smoking are expected to extend even to outdoor areas and gardens belonging to cafés and restaurants. Business owners may also be required to designate clearly defined, isolated smoking areas to ensure that non-smokers are not exposed to tobacco smoke.

The proposed legislation also includes a provision to increase the fines imposed on individuals and establishments that violate the applicable regulations.

The law also seeks to strengthen criminal and administrative penalties against shops and retail outlets involved in selling tobacco products to minors under the age of 18. This would be accompanied by intensified field inspections to verify buyers’ identification documents.

In addition, the Ministry of Health is considering stricter measures to reduce the appeal of flavored cigarettes in the Turkish market. It also plans to target alternative and newer tobacco products marketed by manufacturers as producing less smoke or causing less harm, with the aim of preventing consumers, particularly young people, from being misled.