Hungary mulling more retail restrictions

Hungary’s government is planning to ban tobacco sales in large retail spaces, according to an All Hungary Media Group report quoting a Magyar Hirlap story citing an unnamed government source.

Under the proposal, current legislation would be amended to prohibit tobacco shops from operating in retail spaces larger than 2,500 square meters.

Retail tobacco sales became a state monopoly in Hungary in July, partly because the licensing process this involved was seen as making it easier to prevent minors gaining access to tobacco products.

But some retailers are said to have moved into hypermarkets and shopping malls that tend to attract young people.

The government is said also to be considering a ban on tobacconists operating within 100 meters of schools.

Any changes are expected to come into force in January.