Government approves restrictions on sale of tobacco and alcohol

On Friday, Belgium's Council of Ministers approved a draft law introducing new restrictions on the sale of alcohol and tobacco products. This was announced by the cabinet of Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke in a press release on Friday evening.

The text contains a number of anti-smoking measures. It bans the sale of tobacco products in hotels, restaurants, temporary sales outlets and grocery stores larger than 400 square metres. Shopkeepers will also be obliged to ask for proof of identity from anyone who appears to be under 25 when buying tobacco products.

Advertising of tobacco products is also restricted. The display of packets of tobacco products in and around shops will no longer be allowed, and shopkeepers will face stiffer penalties for breaching advertising bans.

On alcohol, the text bans the sale of alcohol to minors under the age of 18 (except for beer and wine) and prohibits the sale of alcohol through vending machines, in hospitals and at motorway service stations between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}