On February 15, 2017, the Public Defender presented a special report on the problems relating to tobacco control to the Government, the diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and media representatives.

According to the surveys carried out in the mentioned field, more than 30% of adults are smokers in Georgia, while 60% of children aged between 3 and 11 years are affected by the harmful, secondhand smoke of tobacco. Regardless of the fact that smoking is regarded as the major source of air pollution in public indoor places, the current regulations cannot ensure a tobacco-free environment. There is no comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. In addition, there are no regulations relating to the sale and advertising of electronic cigarettes, which, according to the Public Defender, should be timely introduced. At the same time, there is need for effective enforcement of the existing regulations.

The majority of violations of the tobacco sale and consumption rules were identified in May-June 2013 and the first quarter of 2014 throughout the country, while in 2015 only 2 cases of such violations were revealed. The inaction of the authorities in the field of tobacco control is evident.

The Public Defender’s representative spoke about the international standards of tobacco control, the shortcomings in the national legislation, the ineffective implementation of the tobacco control legislation by the state agencies, the threats caused by the advertising and consumption of tobacco products for the young generation and other issues.

It is important the Parliament to bring the applicable legislation in line with the international standards. Amendments should be made to the laws concerning the full prohibition of smoking in enclosed buildings. In addition, the administration of the violation of the tobacco control legislation should be simplified at the legislative level.

The executive authorities should immediately raise public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco products and develop relevant treatment and consultative services of smoking cessation for smokers.

"The tobacco control legislation needs to be improved and brought in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the Directives of the European Parliament and the Council as much as possible. At the same time, it is of special importance to toughen the regulations relating to the availability of the tobacco products for the young generation," - said the Public Defender.

See the electronic version of the report