The Ministry of Health‘s draft law has been uploaded to the public online consultation platform which, among other things, provides for a ban on the sale, supply and disposal, by any means, of tobacco and alcohol products to minors.

The bill is titled: “Protection of minors from tobacco and alcohol products – Regulations on non-tobacco products – Digital register of control of tobacco, alcohol and other non-tobacco products and other provisions“.

The key points of the draft law, apart from the ban on the sale, are as follows:

– the introduction of the obligation to identify the adult and to seek identification on behalf of the seller at all points of sale,

– the compulsory notification to the authorities (police or coastguard) of private events held in entertainment centers and bars, if minors participate in them, via a special electronic platform

– the introduction of systematic administrative sanctions in cases of infringements; and

– the provision of criminal sanctions in cases of sale of tobacco and alcohol to and by minors, as well as in cases of their entry, stay and employment in entertainment centers and bars.

The consultation will run until 9am on 16 June.