Vietnam to impose 18 year limit on buying and selling tobacco products

Vietnam is set to impose a ban in which those under 18 years of age will not be allowed to sell tobacco products at retail outlets, nor buy them, according to a Vietnam News story.

The ban is part of a long-term national plan approved by Prime Minister, Nguyen Tan Dung.

It aims, in part, to reduce the number of smokers in the 15-24 age group from 26 per cent to 18 per cent.

The plan will use also taxes and stricter measures on cigarette trading in an attempt to limit consumption.

It requires the Ministry of Health to co-operate with relevant agencies and come up with specific programs to improve people’s awareness of the harm caused by smoking, so as to effect a gradual change in attitudes. A steering committee on fighting tobacco consumption will be formed in each locality.