Cambodia moves closer to 2003 tobacco control law

Cambodia’s National Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a draft law on tobacco control that, among other provisions, will require manufacturers to include on cigarette packs graphic warnings occupying at least 50 percent of the surface area.

According to a story in The Phnom Penh Post, the draft law still has to be passed by the Senate and signed off by King Norodom Sihamoni.

Once enacted, the law would ban tobacco product sales to those under 18 years of age and to pregnant women.

It would outlaw sales at education facilities, sport clubs, children’s parks, religious and historical sites, museums and gas stations.

And it would expand restrictions on tobacco product advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

The law was first drafted in 2003.

In a separate move, the government has said also that it will begin subsidising farmers to stop growing tobacco and switch to other crops.