The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has expressed concern over the advertising and promotion of tobacco products, tobacco trade and tobacco abuse.
HPA said in a statement on Monday that such practices are prohibited under the Tobacco Control Act.
However, the agency said it has noticed a wide range of tobacco advertisements in various ways, especially through social media.
The agency said the advertisements claim that some products do not contain tobacco and that one product is safer than the other. They also spread untrue stories about the health risks of using certain products.
The HPA has reminded smokers, businesses, law enforcement agencies and all citizens to consider the following issues.
These include points like
- - Anything containing any quantity of tobacco and any substance derived from tobacco is considered tobacco.
- - Shisha, heated tobacco and vape, and all types of e-cigarettes are included in tobacco products.
- - It is a legal offense to advertise and promote any type of tobacco and any act of smoking in any amount in any place.
- - Tobacco advertising ceremonies and activities are prohibited.
- - It is a criminal offense to promote any type of tobacco as having health benefits, including spreading incorrect information
- - It is prohibited to sell any type of tobacco to any child under the age of 18
- - The sale of any type of tobacco through vending machines, online, and by delivery is prohibited.
While HPA has cautioned against advertisement and sale of tobacco and vape products , it is seen to be happening. Some people also advertise that vape is safer than cigarettes.
