Thursday, June 15 2017 16:49

ArmInfo.In Armenia, a ban on smoking in public places may soon come to force. Levon Altunyan, head of the Ministry of Health, told reporters on June 15 after the  government meeting that the department will begin work on the anti-smoking program in September, which it plans to complete within a month.

According to the minister, one of the important points of the  proposed program will be a ban on smoking in public places. Referring  to NGO research, Altunyan noted that only 20% of Armenia's population  opposes drastic measures in the fight against smoking. Meanwhile, 80%  of Armenians are in favor of harsh measures against smoking.

As for possible sanctions, today the head of the Ministry of Health  refrained to name specific fines and figures, noting that this is the  business of economists and lawyers.

To remind, at the end of May the Minister of Health Levon Altunyan at  an event dedicated to the International Day without Smoking, which  was held under the slogan "Tobacco is our common enemy", announced  the development of a law banning smoking in public places. The law  provides for the prohibition of smoking in all public places.

It is also expected to rise in price of tobacco products by 30%.  "This law can meet opposition, but we are ready for this," the  minister said. According to the minister, a particularly productive  step in the fight against smoking is a "blow to the pocket" of a  smoker, and not a psychological effect. "The purpose of the  anti-smoking program for 5-7 years to reduce the number of smokers in  Armenia by 30%," said Altunyan.