The Turkish Ministry of Health has prepared a draft bill introducing strict regulations on tobacco sales and consumption, aiming for a full phaseout by January 1, 2040. The proposal outlines phased restrictions scheduled for parliamentary review ahead of expected passage in November.
The draft legislation will first be evaluated during high-level meetings at the Presidency before being reviewed by political party groups in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). The bill must pass through the Health Commission and the General Assembly before becoming law.
Strict Retail Controls and Digital Age Verification
Under the proposed measures, cigarette packaging will transition to a single, standardized model. Brand logos, distinctive symbols, and graphic elements intended to promote consumption will be barred from all packs.
Retail points of sale will no longer be permitted to display tobacco products openly on store shelves. Retailers must store all inventory inside closed, opaque cabinets hidden from view. In addition, transactions will require identity verification processed directly through electronic systems to enforce purchase age restrictions.
Expanding Outdoor Bans to Parks, Beaches, and Public Facilities
The legislation expands smoking prohibitions across open public spaces. Smoking will be prohibited in areas with high public foot traffic, including:
- Children's playgrounds and recreational parks
- Public beaches and coastal zones
- Outdoor sports and athletics facilities
The bill also increases mandatory smoke-free buffer perimeters surrounding schools, hospitals, public administration buildings, and places of worship.
Tighter Isolation Rules for Restaurants, Cafes, and Hotels
Hospitality venues, including restaurants and cafes, will face tighter conditions for indoor smoking areas. Businesses will only be permitted to construct isolated smoking cubicles that do not exceed 10% of their total venue space, with an absolute maximum limit of 20 square meters.
These smoking compartments must be fully shielded from outside view, and staff will be barred from serving food or beverages inside them. For hotels, smoking will be banned across all shared indoor spaces and restricted strictly to designated smoking guest rooms.
