Smoking to be forbidden in indoor public places since 2010

According to the plan, higher taxes and prices will be imposed on all types of cigarettes, especially imported ones.

Since January 1, 2010, smoking will be banned in indoor public places, such as schools, kindergartens, clinics, cinemas, theaters, cultural houses, factories, offices and means of public transport.

Tough punishments will be applied to anyone violating the regulations.

The Government orders relevant ministries and agencies to design, diversify and conduct cigarette detox programs.  

To cut the supplies of cigarette, the PM orders to strictly control the wholesale and retail of this product nationwide.  

By 2010, cigarettes will be sold at licensed venues only, not through automatic vending machines, via the Internet or telephones.

The sale to children under 18 is banned.

Cigarette import must be put under strict control. Smuggled cigarettes, fake cigarettes, cigarettes with imitated brands and poor-quality cigarettes will be heavily fired.

The Government will map out proper schemes to help tobacco farmers and workers find new jobs.

It is reported that Việt Nam is the 47th signatory to the FCTC which came into effect on March 17, 2005 here.

By Hương Giang