A bill that has begun to be processed by the Social Affairs Committee (CAS) proposes a ban on the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products in supermarkets, newsstands, convenience stores and other commercial establishments.
Senator Styvenson Valentim (Podemos-RN), author of the project, hopes that this restriction will contribute to discouraging tobacco consumption.
If converted into law, the project will add a new measure to the Anti-Smoking Law, prohibiting the sale of “smoking products” in places such as primary and secondary education establishments, health services, places where food is sold or consumed, supermarkets, food stores, convenience and newsstands. It is worth noting that current legislation already prohibits the sale of these products in schools, health units and public bodies.
In justifying the project, Styvenson argues that restricting the sale of tobacco makes access to these products difficult, which can have a symbolic and educational effect to deter young consumers in training, especially. The senator also mentions that countries that banned the advertising of tobacco products in the media, but maintained easy access, experienced a significant increase in the promotion of these products at points of sale.
Furthermore, Senator Mecias de Jesus (Republicanos-RR) presented an amendment that includes the reception institutions referred to in the Child and Adolescent Statute in the list of places where the sale of tobacco products will be prohibited.
After the vote at CAS, the project will go to the Constitution and Justice Commissions (CCJ) and the Transparency, Inspection and Control Commissions (CTFC), the latter being responsible for the final decision. The measure aims to combat tobacco consumption, especially among young people, and promote a healthier environment free from addiction.
